Hurricane Helene dumped an estimated 40 trillion gallons of rain on the southeastern United States, causing widespread destruction of homes and businesses. As communities work to recover, social media has played a critical role in connecting people with contractors, suppliers, and volunteers to help with repairs and provide essential supplies.
Luke Yoder, the owner of Yoder Construction in Perry, Georgia, was one of many who responded to the crisis. On Sept. 29, he turned to Facebook to organize a supply drive ahead of a four-day relief mission to the hardest-hit areas of North Carolina and Tennessee.
“I’m getting a big trailer load of bottled water, gas, gas cans, food, or anything else we can gather here at my shop,” Yoder posted. “I’m taking a large load to some of the areas hardest hit by the storm. The devastation is overwhelming, and many will be without food, water, or communication for a month or longer.”
Yoder encouraged people to reach out if they wanted to help. By Oct. 2, his team set out with a mission to distribute 1,000 gallons of gas to power vehicles and generators, assist with clearing roads, and provide warm meals to those in need.
“It’s been a humbling experience,” Yoder said on Nov. 1. “The donations have been incredible—everything from $20 contributions to entire pallets of water, baby supplies, and more. Some people have even promised to send more after their next paycheck. I wish I could personally thank everyone who has helped, but it’s impossible to keep up with the outpouring of support.”
Yoder shared an emotional moment from the mission, which highlighted the deep personal impact of the storm.
“I was feeling frustrated that we couldn’t do more for everyone in need. But then we met a woman whose home had completely washed away,” he wrote on Facebook. “She was devastated, but she mentioned that the only thing she wanted to recover was a mantle her late father had carved from a walnut tree in Georgia.
“We couldn’t believe it, but while working near the river, we found a piece of the mantle lodged against a bridge, perfectly intact with hardly a scratch on it. We also found photo albums and personal items from her home nearby.”
For Yoder, the experience was a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the midst of catastrophe.
“It’s not about quantity; it’s about quality. Every bit of help has mattered, and we’ve seen firsthand how much it means to people.”
