DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - Help is on the way for residents in North Florida impacted by Hurricane Helene, as volunteers with Global Empowerment Mission assembled family necessity kits and hygiene kits to be shipped upstate.
7News cameras on Friday captured volunteers putting together the kits at GEM’s warehouse in Doral.
“Everything is important. What’s more important than a diaper for your baby, than formula, than feeling like you can brisy your teeth, than wiping yourself off to stay clean?” said philanthropist Bethenny Frankel. “Hydration is a huge one, so the hydration packets are a great way to take all the water that is being donated and make it into something better.”
GEM has already shipped thousands of boxes to areas like Perry and Keaton Beach, which were most affected by the storm.
GEM crew members drove through Keaton Beach, witnessing the catastrophic damage caused by the heavy winds of Helene.
Drone video recorded by the GEM team showed how Helene destroyed everything in its path.
People’s homes were reduced to rubble, power lines were down, and the streets were filled with debris.
Volunteers with GEM were seen delivering the boxed kits filled with aid to residents who stayed behind.
The GEM team is also driving through some of the most destroyed areas in order to determine which communities need the most help.
“As of 48 hours ago, when we knew that Helene was going to make landfall somewhere around last night, we as always deploy our teams well in advance, so we prepared four trucks to deploy as of yesterday,” said Raul Celaya, director of operations for GEM.
Video recorded by GEM shows the storm destroyed many homes in Keaton Beach.
GEM has set up a base in the Gulf Coast and will assess the damage and assist those in need, hoping to pass out thousands of items.
“All of our other teams have been deployed, making assessments over near Perry, Florida, and Keaton Beach, Florida,” said Celaya.
Back at GEM’s warehouse, volunteer said they’re determined to continue helping those affected by Helene.
“Absolutely, it’s gratifying, and I went through Hurricane Andrew, so I know what it is to feel that you need things,” said a volunteer.
Another team, put together by Interiors by Steven G, is also heading North to provide hurricane relief. They are accepting donations starting Friday at 7:30 a.m. If you would like to donate or have any questions please contact Steven G. at 954-592-3332.
If you would like to volunteer at GEM , click here.
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