HANCOCK COUNTY — Following the devastating aftermath from storms in Florida and North Carolina in early October, local officials and businesses went to work. Officials from Interstate Delaware & South Inc. reached out to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) to explore ways to support firefighters and their families in North Carolina.
Officials from Buck Creek Township Fire Department (BCTFD) say, as reports came back, most firefighters and their families in the impacted areas were already receiving ample assistance, so Interstate Delaware & South shifted its focus to broader relief efforts.
Interstate Delaware & South partnered with Buck Creek Township Fire Department to organize a supply drive for others, and several county businesses and individuals stepped up.
“What began as a small effort quickly grew into something far beyond anyone’s expectations,” Jess Elliott, BCTFD public information officer said. “Soon, the entire county, as well as surrounding counties, became involved, with numerous individuals and businesses offering to donate.”
The operation where supplies were collected behind BCTFD ended with a total of four semi-trailers filled with supplies for people and pets, one semi-trailer of hay, and one personal trailer of farm feed. The trailers were delivered to Arden, Creston, and Marshal North Carolina.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took time out of their lives to make this effort a success,” said Matt Bartlett, a BCTFD firefighter and the Manager of Interstate Delaware & South Inc. “What started as an idea to gather food and supplies for firefighters and their families grew into something much bigger. I became a firefighter to help people, and our fire department helps the community every day. This project allowed our community, fire department, and local businesses to assist those in greater need than ourselves. And while we hope we never face such devastation, it’s comforting to know that, if we did, others would step up for us as we have done for them.”
Officials noted there were so many generous donations made by organizations and individuals, including, Uncle Bill’s Pet Centers (CEO Lori Wilson donated 22,000 pounds of dog food and $2,500 in pet supplies), Rocking Oak Farm (1,000 lbs. of farm feed), Walmart Distribution Center (multiple pallets), Greenfield Walmart, Boy Scouts of America, Jet Access Indianapolis Regional Airport, Shelbyville Airport, Costco, Johnson’s BBQ Shack, 1st Call Environment, Amerestore, America’s Restoration Team, Amazon Distribution Center, Great Lakes Ace Hardware, Bargersville Wellness Center, Axe Head Threads, Team Image, Wilkerson Dance Studio, Gary Achor, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Needlers, Community Corrections, The Pub in New Palestine, Masonic Lodge 404, Jeff Young, Hancock Exchange, Amy Gabbard-Smith, American Family Insurance Agent, Fullenkamp O’Gara Investigations, Bell Mortuary, 1-800Boardup, Eagle Riders, Jeff Slaton Patterson Farms & Michael Tree City Metal (whole trailer of hay), Astemo, Buck Creek Township Fire Department and Local 4787.
“This has been an incredible opportunity, and we’re proud to have partnered with such an outstanding business,” Elliott said. “Not only does this effort help people we may never meet, but it also brought our community together, reminding us of what truly matters.”
In addition to organizing donations, Elliott noted Interstate Delaware & South was also in Florida, assisting with hurricane cleanup and providing towing services.
“We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated company in our community,” Elliott said. “Without the help Jeff Young from the Hancock Exchange club we would not have been able to secure over $40,000 dollars in donations from Uncle Bills Pet Superstore as well as $3,000 dollars from Uncle Bills CEO Lori Wilson’s personal farm Rocking Oak Farm, all which went to Creston, North Carolina.”
