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EASLEY, S.C. (BFMG) — Tony and Tracy Gaylor of Easley, S.C., have transformed their passion for off-roading into a lifeline for victims of Storm Helene in Western North Carolina. The Gaylors, who run the United States Jeep Association, have mobilized their extensive network of 4×4 owners to deliver essential supplies to hard-hit areas, often venturing into remote locations that other relief efforts haven’t reached.
The movement began when Tracy made a Facebook post on their page, Hurricane Relief Carolinas, explaining the dire need for aid in affected regions. The response was overwhelming, turning a simple post into a coordinated relief effort.
“We’ve been able to reach places that many can’t get to,” said Tony, en route to the West Yancey Fire Department with a trailer full of camping supplies. He’s dispatched teams of up to 14 volunteers to deliver aid and assist in search-and-rescue efforts in devastated towns like Swannanoa, Old Fort, and Burnsville since Monday.
Rose Weinberg says on the West Yancey Fire Department’s Facebook page, “Hand written notes being passed thru towns has worked for so many people to let them know they’re alive, that people are looking for them and where to go. I’ll be able to see and hug my friend today. I don’t have words right now.”
The Gaylors’ relief work is funded by local donations, including contributions from The Mill Church in Pickens, S.C., and private donors. Tony emphasized that all monetary donations go directly into the hands of displaced residents. Moving forward, he hopes to partner with industrial companies to supply materials for rebuilding critical infrastructure.
In Burnsville, a particularly hard-hit area, residents are hesitant to accept federal assistance. Tony noted that while FEMA is present, some locals feel threatened by the government agency. “They’ll take our supplies, but they don’t want help from FEMA,” he said.
FEMA refutes these claims and tells WHNS Fox Carolina they have delivered 13.2 million meals, more than 13.4 million liters of water, 157 generators, and more than 492,000 tarps to regions of some of the hardest hit areas from Helene.
Among those the Gaylors have helped is Matt Hobson, pastor of Old Path Church, who lost his home and shop near South Toe River. Hobson, who now has to climb a mountain to get cell service, described the devastation as overwhelming but said he remains hopeful. “If it weren’t for people like Tony, we’d really be hurting,” he said. He added that local volunteers with equipment have made a significant difference by clearing roads and making the area accessible.
For now, Tony and Tracy are focused on supplying essentials like tents, sleeping bags, propane, solar lights, coolers, blankets, and warm clothing. “We’re not just bringing one-day supplies,” Tracy explained. “We’re bringing them things they can continue living with.”
Supplies can be dropped off at Tony’s shop, Grease Monkey Auto Service & 4×4, located in Easley, S.C., from 9 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tony is hauling a 16-foot trailer, capable of carrying up to 16,000 pounds of supplies, on multiple trips from Greenville, S.C., to Burnsville, N.C.
To coordinate donations directly, Tracy Gaylor can be reached by phone by calling +1-864-787-5588.
Reports from areas like Black Mountain’s Gateway Mountain community describe harrowing scenes where residents had to cut their way out, navigating downed power lines and navigating hazardous terrain. Tony shared that his group has also been helping to relocate individuals stranded in isolated mountain areas to safer ground.
“We’re just here to help,” Tony said. “We’ve seen people lose everything, and we’ll do what we can to get them what they need.”
Find a supply list below of the specific items needed by locals:
- Tents/Sleeping Bags
- Camping Stoves
- Stove Fuel
- Fuel Cans
- Solar Lights
- Batteries
- 14 Gauge/50ft. Ext. Cords
- String LIghts
- Ensure/Protein Drinks
- Pet Food & Supplies
- Hacksaws
- Buckets
- Drywall Screws
- Mold Cleaner
- Wrenches & Screwdrivers
- Drill Bits
- Circular Saw Blades
- Sawzall Blades
- Warm Clothing/Bedding
- Heavy Duty PPE
- Bottled Water
- Diesel Fuel/Regular Fuel
- Propane Tanks
- OTC Medications ie. Tylenol
- First Aid Supplies
- IV Starter Kits
- Trash Bags
- Female Hygiene Products
- Bug Spray/Sunscreen
