Tim Berry, a resident of Williamsville, expressed his gratitude towards the people in Kingsport, Tennessee, whom he had delivered goods to, during an interview with WBEN from North Carolina on Friday morning.
Berry and his friend Shawn McMahon, the operators of Erie County Blotter, a social media platform that covers police and fire incidents in Erie County, recently stepped up to assist individuals in need following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
Berry described the scene with overwhelming emotions, recalling how tears welled up as soon as the trucks were opened. The sight was nothing short of incredible – their belongings had already made their way to the mountains. The delivery had been made to a church, and from there, pack mules would continue the journey.
Berry and McMahon have already made the decision to make their way back to Western New York once again.
“We have organized another charity drive, where we will be collecting donations at three convenient locations in Lockport, Cheektowaga, and Williamsville. To facilitate the collection process, we have rented a box truck from Penske. We are accepting donations at these locations to support our cause.”
They have plans to depart from Western New York on Tuesday (10/8) and make a delivery on Wednesday (10/9) morning.
“We have the Angola Fire Department joining us, along with several other individuals who will be bringing their own vehicles. It looks like we’re going to have quite a convoy as we come together to help these people.”
Donation Centers You Can Visit to Help Others in Need
On Saturday, you can find us at 200 Berkley Rd in Williamsville, N.Y. 14221. We will be open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
Donations are currently being accepted at the following address: 50 Meadowlawn Dr., Cheektowaga, N.Y. 14225.
We are currently accepting donations at our location on 6942 Academy Lane in Lockport, New York.
Elma/East Aurora
11046 Jamison Rd
East Aurora, N.Y.
Friday from 12pm to 5pm
Sunday from 10am to 3pm
You can leave your items on the front porch.
The location of Angola Fire Department Station #2 is at 160 South Main Street in Angola, New York.
During our interview this morning, Berry shared with us some of the physical items they are currently collecting. For updated information about collection sites, you can visit Erie County Blotter on Facebook.
Berry emphasized the importance of having essential items during cold weather, including cold weather gear, blankets, sweatshirts, baby food, baby bottles, diapers, and formula. She mentioned that it is crucial to be prepared with everything needed to stay warm and comfortable in cold temperatures.
Furthermore, they are also gathering Benadryl and EpiPens to aid in their relief efforts. The aftermath of Helene’s impact resulted in an influx of yellow jackets.
According to Berry, the bees are not only targeting first responders but also the local residents. He emphasized the urgent necessity for these individuals to receive immediate relief from bee stings, as well as other stinging and biting creatures in the vicinity.