'Putting feet in action': More than 160 flights bring vital supplies to WNC post-Helene

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Rescue helicopters continue to dot the sky over Rutherford County as recovery efforts continue. So many have been cut off and lost everything.

On the other side of the Rutherford County Airport, another mission is underway. For days truckloads of supplies have been delivered to hard-hit neighborhoods, ahead of government assistance.

It’s been non-stop flights into the Rutherford County Airport for 12 hours a day since Monday, bringing in needed supplies, an effort that’s all volunteer.

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Box after bag, sometimes a single can at a time passes through the hands of volunteers like Carol Johnson just hoping to make a difference.

“Everybody is working to help somebody else and as a Christian, I've been taught ‘Put your feet in action.’ and this is a good way to do that,” said Johnson.

Those feet and others have packed 18 box trucks and 12 pick-up trucks full of supplies, from infant needs to snacks, water, and more. Donations from across the nation, organized by volunteers, now bound for hard hit neighborhoods.

“A lot of it is going to Lake Lure, I know there's a church up there, there are several churches that are helping to organize and send the trucks out,” said Johnson.

It’s an effort that began a few thousand feet up and 80 miles away in Statesville, NC with another set of volunteers, and pilots tied to the non-profit AERObridge.

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“Our focus is to deliver supplies during catastrophic events much like Hurricane Helene that went through North Carolina and deliver supplies to each airport and then get it as close as needed to the community,” said Josh Mac a pilot with AERObridge.

More than 160 flights since Monday. Mac knows the pain natural disasters cause well, he was impacted by Hurricane Idalia.

“I understand the situation that the people are in and you know helping them get the water get the clothes and the food that they need and working with close community efforts in Rutherford County has been more rewarding that anything,” said Mac.

It fueled him three years ago to start donating his aircraft, fuel, and time to help strangers he’ll likely never meet. AERObridge providing them with the basics when impacted residents may be unsure where to turn for help. The effort is possible with assistance from others.

“We're working with multiple organizations one of them is Hand for Hope, which is a Pregnancy Crisis Center. We've been delivering newborn and baby-type supplies the last four days. We are also working with Element Church, Rutherford County and Forest City Fire Department as well as the county emergency management department.

Needed help, until more assistance can arrive.

“If its people in your County it feels like family so my heart goes out to everybody who's lost their homes and their families,” said Johnson.

Aerobridge expected the effort to last at least through Friday.

You can find more about AERObridge's efforts at their Facebook Page.