(WNY News Now) – Chautauqua County’s relief efforts for North Carolina’s hurricane victims soar to new heights as local pilots transport critical supplies, demonstrating the power of community-driven generosity.
JAMESTOWN, NY — Chautauqua County continues its commitment to supporting hurricane victims in North Carolina through coordinated relief efforts, by flying donations to hard hit areas.
On Sunday, Jeff Holowienko, a dedicated local pilot, flew a plane loaded with critical supplies from the Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport to Avery County Airport in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, approximately 50 miles from Asheville. This flight is part of the ongoing efforts initiated by County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. and the airport management to address the needs arising from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“We have seen incredible generosity from our community, and every contribution makes a difference,” said County Executive Wendel. “Let us come together in support of those who are in desperate need of our help.”
Thanks to the generous contributions from Great Lakes Flight School, which donated fuel for the flight, and additional support from a member of the airport commission who also contributed fuel, local pilots and volunteers are able to deliver much-needed supplies to affected areas.
“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s support, which makes it possible for us to assist those in need during this challenging time,” said Shannon Fischer, Chautauqua County’s Manager of Airports.
Since the launch of the donation campaign, Chautauqua County has mobilized efforts to collect essential supplies and monetary donations to support those impacted by the recent hurricanes.
(An aerial view of the Avery County Airport as Jeff arrives with a cargo of essential supplies.)
The Avery County Airport, continues to serve as a donation collection center, and a vital hub for relief efforts. Originally, over 150 planes a day were delivering supplies, with the airport utilizing approximately 12,000 gallons of aviation fuel in just six days to facilitate these operations. As time goes on the donations are slowing down.
“The people affected by these hurricanes are facing unimaginable challenges, and our support can provide them with the essential supplies and resources they desperately need,” said Fischer. “Every donation, no matter how small, can make a significant impact in helping our neighbors rebuild and recover.”
As of November 1, Avery County is requesting donations ONLY from the following links. Please select items to help support hurricane relief efforts:
– Amazon Donation List
– Walmart Donation List
For more information on how to contribute to these vital efforts, please visit CHQGov.com/aid.
Monetary donations are also welcomed and can be sent directly to the Avery County Airport Authority to support ongoing relief efforts in North Carolina:
Avery County Airport Authority
C/O Samuel Calvert (Chairman)
202 Little Cow Camp Rd
Newland, NC 28657
For any questions regarding how to assist the County Airports in hurricane relief efforts, please reach out to Shannon Fischer at (716) 661-8930.