Buchanan Companies Rally Community Support for Hurricane Helene
Buchanan Companies organized a successful "Fill the Truck" campaign to aid Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina. The Fort Wayne community rallied together, donating essential supplies, filling 20 trucks, and providing financial support. This unified effort showcased the power of teamwork and community care in times of crisis.
Mon October 28, 2024 - Southeast Edition #23 Buchanan Logistics
After Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina hard on Sept. 28, 2024, Buchanan Hauling & Rigging and Buchanan Logistics took action to help. They started their "Fill the Truck" campaign, showcasing how working together as a community and taking responsibility can lead to positive change in tough times.
The Campaign: A Challenge to Fill 20 Trucks
On Oct. 3, 2024, based on the desire of an employee wanting to help North Carolina, Buchanan Hauling & Rigging and Buchanan Logistics launched the "Fill the Truck" campaign.
Their goal was to fill 20 semi-trucks with essential supplies for hurricane victims. Inspired by the company's past relief work during Hurricane Katrina, owner Geary Buchanan challenged employees, local businesses and northeast Indiana residents to join in and help those in need.
Photo courtesy of Buchanan Logistics
Employees drew inspiration from their core company values of determination, integrity, safety and community to come together and make things happen. The campaign collected donations of non-perishable food, hygiene items, clothing and other essential goods to be delivered directly to affected areas in North Carolina, including Asheville and Alexandria.
Uniting the Community
The Fort Wayne community responded with overwhelming generosity. Local businesses, radio & television stations and individuals came together to support the cause in inspiring ways.
Local schools and local businesses even opened their doors to serve as donation drop-off points, amplifying the community's ability to get involved.
Steady Progress, Community Engagement
From the start, the campaign gained momentum:
By Oct. 5, the first truck was loaded and headed to North Carolina, and added collection days to Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th.
By Oct. 9, seven trucks had been filled, and Buchanan extended their collection through another weekend and until Friday, Oct. 18 as donations continued to pour in.
On Oct. 11, the campaign reached 16 trucks, with more loading under way.
By Oct. 18, the campaign successfully reached its goal. The company was able to fill all 20 trucks, plus another two trucks through additional late donations and assurance by Buchanan's ownership with essential supplies for North Carolina's recovery efforts.
Financial Support, Extended Efforts
Alongside physical donations, the "Fill the Truck" campaign received generous financial support. Buchanan employees contributed, which the owners, Geary and Becky Buchanan, matched. Local businesses, individuals and community groups gave and added to the public Go-Fund-Me campaign.
Impact on North Carolina
Photo courtesy of Buchanan Logistics
Buchanan's campaign has had a strong impact in North Carolina. Drivers Johnny and Crystal, who delivered many of the trucks, shared pictures showing the damage and the ongoing relief work. Their updates gave a close-up view of how these donations were helping communities recover from Hurricane Helene.
In total, 20 fully loaded trucks travelled from Fort Wayne to North Carolina, bringing essential supplies to the areas that needed them the most. The campaign united people, businesses, and organizations, showing how effective teamwork can be during tough times.
A Community That Cares
The "Fill the Truck" campaign shows how generous the Fort Wayne community is and highlights the commitment of Buchanan Hauling & Rigging and Buchanan Logistics to help others. With the support of local residents, they have made a significant impact on the lives of those affected by Hurricane Helene. As the final trucks arrive in North Carolina, Buchanan is celebrating the community spirit that made this accomplishment possible.
"A big thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and shared the news. Together, we have filled both trucks and hearts, providing much-needed aid to those in need," the company said.
Photo courtesy of Buchanan Logistics
Buchanan Hauling & Rigging and Buchanan Logistics surpassed their goal of 20 semi-trucks full of essential supplies for hurricane victims.
