KALONA

Recovery from hurricane Helene may take years, but folks living without power and water, “camping” in their homes for the time being, benefit from relief efforts that bring them needed supplies. Cornerstone Community Church in Kalona aims to help those in North Carolina and Tennessee by holding a “Fill the Truck” event on Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19, when donations can be dropped off at the church. The semi will then depart for the southern states on Sunday, Oct. 20.

“Everything we are doing is going directly to a local church who is easing the burden of these people,” Kim Miller said in an interview with KCRG. “It’s all going straight to people who are literally going to hand it to the victims.”

Miller and her husband own an Iowa City-based trucking company that will help transport the goods collected by Cornerstone to people in the southern states.

Items needed include baby care items, such as diapers and formula; nonperishable foods, such as canned items, protein bars and bottled water; cleaning supplies, including bleach, dish soap, and biodegradable laundry detergent; toiletries, such as toothbrushes and paste, shampoo and conditioner, and aspirin; tools, such as rakes, shovels, extension cords, and tarps; household products, including flashlights, batteries, toilet paper, and Ziplock bags; kids toys and games; and pet food. All items must be new.

Monetary donations to cover shipping costs are also being collected. Those beyond shipping costs will be used to purchase generators, chain saws, and pallets of supplies.

Drop off dates for Fill the Truck are Friday, Oct. 18 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cornerstone Community Church, 229 14th St., Kalona. Prior to the event, donations can be dropped off at the Kalona Public Library as well as other area businesses.