By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
This afternoon a semi truck full of storm relief supplies headed south from Wood County to Henderson County, North Carolina. As this truck was southbound, another semi from the Cygnet area was dropping off a load of hay and alfalfa.
And a third truck was still being filled to provide some help to families whose worlds turned upside down when Hurricane Helene left communities flooded, knee-deep mud, and many without power.
Benschoter Hay and Straw, a family farm on Cloverdale Road near Cygnet, is familiar with that part of North Carolina. For years, the Benschoter family has been delivering truckloads of hay and alfalfa to that region just south of Asheville.
Wood County has the flat land and the ideal climate for raising alfalfa and hay – and Henderson County has a lot of horse farms in need of feed.
So when the Benschoter family saw images of the devastation left by Helene, they decided a different type of shipment was needed to North Carolina. The family contacted officials with Henderson County, and received a list of much needed items ranging from bottled water and diapers to batteries and bleach.
“We wanted to help. You can’t watch the videos of all the tragedy and be indifferent to it,” said Kyle Benschoter, whose father John started in the hay business in 1984.
On Tuesday morning, the family posted on social media that Benschoter Hay and Straw would be collecting items to send south. By noon on Thursday, more than 200 people had stopped by the farm to drop off donations filling a 53-foot semi truck.
“It’s clear full,” Benschoter said of the truck that is on its way south loaded with donations from local individuals, families, schools, churches and businesses. “So many people wanted to help. They weren’t coaxed into this. There’s no tax break for this. We’re really grateful for our community.”
While the Benschoter family put the word out for help, members of the community shared that message more than 700 times – resulting in an outpouring of generosity.
People dropped off dog food, baby formula, non-perishable food, toilet paper, flashlights, blankets, towels, hygiene products, shovels, brooms, coolers, charcoal, matches, candles and gloves. The Henderson County officials stressed that clothing and perishable food could not be accepted.
“We are incredibly grateful to share that the truck full of donations has just left our farm, headed to Henderson County,” the Benschoters posted on Facebook today. “The outpouring of support from this community has been nothing short of amazing.”
So much was donated, that it didn’t take long to realize a second truckload would need to be sent.
“This effort has shown how much we can accomplish when we unite for a cause, and we are deeply proud to be part of a community that steps up when others are in need. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your incredible support,” the Benschoter family posted.
Even people beyond the Benschoters’ community have expressed a desire to help, Kyle said. He was in a Costco store getting boxes for the trip south when a customer asked if he worked at the store. Kyle explained he was sorting through the empty boxes to hold donations.
“A lady walking by heard me and insisted that I take some money to help,” he said. “Northwest Ohio wants to help.”
The hurricane came at a time when farmers like the Benschoters are in the middle of soybean and hay harvests. “We’ve still got hay to mow,” Kyle said. But when disaster strikes, there is always time to offer a hand.
Kyle Benschoter knows the needs are so great, that donations may seem like a drop in the bucket.
“I can’t imagine what it’s like to get up in the morning down there” and face a day of desperation and loss. “We’re hoping to make a small improvement in someone’s life.”
As of Thursday evening, the Benschoter farm announced they are working with Elmwood School District to fill another truck for flood victims in North Carolina. All donations will be collected at the Elmwood Ag Shop, 7650 Bloomdale Road, Bloomdale, by noon on Tuesday, Oct. 8. The truck will depart Wednesday morning.
