JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The First Coast avoided much of the serious damage from Hurricane Helene that we've seen in other parts of Florida and the Southeast. Amidst the heartbreak and tragedy, thousands of people across the First Coast continue to step up and help following the storm.
On Friday, Kuhn Flowers on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville saw a steady stream of people bringing donations. They're accepting new, unopened items for babies as well as bottled water, cleaning supplies and anything that can help.
Parts of entire towns in North Carolina have been washed away because of Helene. Earlier this week Angie's Subs in Jacksonville Beach began to collect supplies. Angie's owner Ed Malin delivered those supplies and described what he saw in North Carolina.
"In a low area I drove through not long ago, the buildings, the walls were washed out and blown out," said Malin. "Giant semi tractors pushed up on these buildings, on the roof, cars flipped over everywhere, tires sticking out of the mud."
Some areas of North Carolina can't be reached by car. Former Nascar driver Greg Biffle tweeted a video of a person signaling for help as he was flying supplies in his helicopter. Back on the First Coast, supplies continue to pour into places like Kuhn Flowers.
"It means a lot for us to be able to help those who are in immediate need," said Heather Lockwood, an employee at Kuhn.
Kuhn collected donations that went to Steinhatchee, Florida and they plan to send another truck to Taylor County, Florida next week.
"We need more bedding for twin and full beds, we need pillows, we need laundry detergent," said Lockwood. "Anything that has to do with baby stuff, we definitely need baby stuff."
The Alhambra Theatre was collecting donations to send to North Carolina, but their truck is full so they've directed people to other donation sites like Kuhn Flowers.
"The generosity of the Jacksonville people has been absolutely amazing," said Gary Smith, general manager of Alhambra Theatre. "That's a 26 foot truck all the way to the ceiling and most of the way back."
Filled by a giving spirit from people on the First Coast.
"I always like to give to people in disaster or less fortunate than I am because I feel blessed, so you have to pass it forward," said Paula Arminio, who dropped off supplies at Kuhn Flowers.
Kuhn Flowers will continue to collect supplies while they're open on Saturday and again when they open up on Monday.