Hurricane Helene relief efforts underway across Massachusetts for people and animals
WEST BRIDGEWATER - From pallets of water to bales of hay and every single essential item in between, towns across Massachusetts are coming together by the trailer load to help families impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Trailer filled with supplies
"What we can do to help North Carolina, we're happy to do it," said West Bridgewater Police Sgt. Jonathan Kraven.
In West Bridgewater, the police station garage has been turned into a local command center for items being donated by residents. Kraven said they've been coordinating with North Carolina Highway Patrols.
"The support that we've received has been amazing," said Kraven. "Our officers have been coming in off-duty to help sort."
They've just about filled one trailer with more than 15 pallets of food, water and other essentials and another trailer is on the way. Heather Concannon came to donate items with her 11-year-old daughter, Cali.
"We're bringing first aid kits, personal little first aid kits that they can hand out and also personal toiletry items that come in a little kit for them as well," said Concannon.
Collecting donations for animals
Not far up the road at Washburn Stables in Marion, a team is busy loading up goods and essentials for North Carolina. Horseshoer Zachary Grajales said in just 48 hours, he's filled two trucks. Here in Marion, the mission is twofold: for animals and people.
"We have another trailer full of first aid supplies, food, toiletries, baby products, two pallets of water," said Grajales. "Animal hay and grain, all kinds of pet food. We are going to head down to the Western North Carolina Regional Livestock Center and they are going to unload our trailers and figure out which communities need what."
"Since it's such a rural area, it's usually more animals, more livestock, so it's not like a normal hurricane relief where it's just for people."