Corey Brittain (left) and Jerry Gurney left East Palestine on Tuesday to take trucks of relief supplies to Swannanoa, North Carolina — one of the regions hit hardest by Hurricane Helene. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

EAST PALESTINE — The community of East Palestine, which saw thousands of donations pour in from across the country in the wake of last year’s Norfolk Southern train derailment, is paying it forward. Village residents packed over two trucks full of hurricane-relief supplies in less than two days. Those supplies are now on their way to Swannanoa, North Carolina — one of the regions hit hardest by Hurricane Helene.

Corey Brittain of Brittain Motors organized the event. He put out the call of action on social media.

“As everyone knows, the south is still hurting from the effects of Hurricane Helene,” Brittain’s post read. “EP was given aid from people all over the country, including North Carolina. It’s time to return the favor!”

Brittain said the response was overwhelming.

“We were hoping to fill one truck,” he said before leaving for North Carolina with Jerry Gurney on Tuesday. “As of today, we filled two and are packing a third.”

The trucks are filled with toiletries, bedding, pet food, pet supplies, clothing, tents and other supplies for living outdoors as shelter is scarce.

The convoy is meeting up with David “Cowboy” Graham — a central Ohio resident — who has volunteered his time at disasters since 9-11 and spent countless hours handing out water in East Palestine last year.

Swannanoa experienced collapsed roads, failing infrastructure, widespread flooding and mudslides after the storm tore through the region. The unofficial death toll from Helene has topped 130 in North Carolina and thousands are displaced.