FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — Box, after box, loaded up onto a trailer, to help people who lost everything in Hurricane Helene.
Richard Cottrell dropped off diapers, water and baby wipes at the Forsyth County Public Safety building.
"It's a massive effort," Cottrell said. "I left Costco and everyone had their buggies full of stuff to go to the mountains."
The sheriff's office is collecting supplies to take to Buncombe and Henderson counties.
The sheriff and a group of officers also have boots on the ground doing what they can.
"Whatever they need whether security, search and rescue, or giving officers a break," said Henry Gray Jr, Chief Deputy of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office. "It could happen to any of us and we've gotta chip in and be there for each other."
In Guilford County, a handful of fire departments have been deployed.
Mcleansville and Whitsett fire sent an engine and 4 firefighters.
"The devastation not only affects the people but first responders," said Tommy Gregory, the fire chief for Millersville Fire Department. "So those people who are normally on Reems fire department are figuring out how they're going to take care of their families."
They'll send a relief crew Tuesday to replace the team that's been there since Saturday, bringing a trailer full of hygiene and food items.
Kenny Apple the chief of the Whittsett Fire Department will is part of that team hitting the road.
"Everyone In that area lost everything they had," Apple said. "Keep them in your prayers anything you can do help. We're going to do our best we can."
Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools is hauling heavy machinery to Buncombe County to help clear access to schools.
Justin Dyson, the executive director of facilities for WS/FCS said the transportation director for Buncombe County Schools reached out asking for help.
"Maintenance staff isn't available or they can't get there. They want to get the schools opened up so they can feed kids," Dyson said. " That's the most urgent need right now so they can get those buildings open to start feeding these kids."
Thad Carter is one of four Winston-Salem Forsyth County staff members hitting the road.
"We're taking our skid steer and mini x to move trees from the driveways to get access to the school buildings," Carter said.
They're prepared to be out there for days with little to no communication with loved ones to help those who have lost everything.
The Forsyth County sheriff's officer will collect donations through Wednesday at 301 N church street, Winston Salem.
WS/FCS is collecting water for Watauga at 745 Corporate Square Drive.
Guilford County Fire stations are collecting donations at Fire Staton 28 6619 NC-91, Gibsonville
