‘A way to give back.’ Jersey Aero Club sends tons of aid to Hurricane Helene victims
Teaming up with Toms River resident Cody Coburn, they’ve organized a wide-scale donation effort after hearing about Hurricane Helene’s damage firsthand.
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The Lakewood-based Jersey Aero Club is using its fleet to make a difference.
Teaming up with Toms River resident Cody Coburn, they’ve organized a wide-scale donation effort after hearing about Hurricane Helene’s damage firsthand.
“My sister explained the devastation,” Coburn said. “She's part of Woodruff Township Police Department [in South Carolina]. [People have] lost houses, lost family members.”
“We're able to get to the places where the road-based relief just can't reach yet,” said Steve Adams from Jersey Aero Club.
The club has sent 20 planes so far carrying more than 3,200 pounds of aid. Donations include nonperishable food, blankets, diapers, medical supplies like insulin, syringes and nebulizers - even some solar power generators.
“Two seconds after we got that delivery, we got a phone call asking about generators,” Coburn said. “They're expecting to be out of power for months.”
“It’s going to get cold starting next week, and they’re now starting to ask for warmer clothing,” said Adams.
Local high schools, church groups and first responders are among those pitching in from more than 500 miles up the Atlantic Coast.
“When Sandy hit, we had people from all over the country,” Adams said. “This is a way to give back.”
“We guarantee you that it'll make it to somebody, and they will get it either the same day or next morning,” Coburn said.
Click here for information on how to donate.
