Story told by: Nick Gibson

Hurricane Helene has made lasting impacts to the Southeast including the Carolinas. 

Since Helene made landfall in late September, the American Red Cross has used every available tool to help those affected by the storm. The Red Cross has provided more than 3.3 million meals and snacks served with partners. Given nearly 360,000 relief supplies and helped with over 56,200 overnight shelter stays. 

Since September 26th, the Red Cross of South Carolina has seen an influx of more than 900 local volunteers who signed up to help their neighbors in need. One of those volunteers is Kim Skunza. Kim lives in Greenville, and says she decided to join the Red Cross after Hurricane Helene hit to help those affected.  

“We were spared in Greenville. Our house and my little area, I felt the need to give back to my community,” said Kim. “Since I’m retired now it’s a great opportunity, it’s kind of a calling.” 

Kim deployed to portions of North Carolina that were affected by Helene. Her job was to look for damaged homes that were hit hard by the storm. 

For weeks, weary families across the Southeast have been living with the inconceivable damage left behind after Hurricane Helene. As families worked to take the next steps in their recovery, Red Cross responders were with them, providing shelter, meals, relief supplies, and a shoulder to lean to make sure no one faced the disaster alone. 

“These people might not know of the resources available by the Red Cross. Everyone that I met, the people are wonderful, they we’re glad that we were there,” said Kim.  

Dan Fiato who lives in Little River has only been a volunteer with the Red Cross for a month. He also deployed to help those in need in North Carolina. Dan saw firsthand how the Red Cross helped in communities impacted by disasters when he lived in Bonita Springs, FL. 

“It wiped out a ton of homes in there and the Red Cross came in and helped a lot of people by assessing damage and providing food,” said Dan.  

Dan has lived in South Carolina for the past four years and says he will do anything to help someone. 

“I enjoy helping people. We take pictures of the damage that has been done to the houses and a brief explanation of what we see,” said Dan. 

Recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton will be a long process, and the Red Cross will be there to support people impacted by these devastating storms in the months ahead. Volunteers are needed to help with disasters big and small. Join us: RedCross.org/Volunteer.