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NASCAR star using his helicopter to provide Hurricane Helene aid
The Vancouver native turned NASCAR Hall of Famer also got his friends to help, as Helene’s aftermath continues to devastate thousands.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Vancouver native Greg Biffle, known for his achievements as a NASCAR driver, is using his personal helicopter and social media reach to aid those affected by Hurricane Helene this season.
In a striking moment, footage shows a man stranded in North Carolina signaling for help with a mirror. He is among many whose homes were destroyed during the hurricane.
Emily Russell from Swannanoa recounted her harrowing experience: “It’s almost like a movie. The front door was pushed in by the water, and within 30 seconds, it was from the ground to neck-level.”
Biffle has not only aided Russell but has also extended his efforts to numerous others in similar situations.
“People are way up in the mountains and in big communities. The scale went vertical very quickly,” Biffle said.
Utilizing his helicopter, he is flying over areas impacted by Hurricane Helene, delivering supplies to those uncertain about what tomorrow will bring.
“We have 50 to 100 volunteers. The place is flooded with supplies — a line of cars a mile long at the airport dropping off donations,” he added.
At 54 years old, Biffle initially undertook these efforts alone but has since recruited other NASCAR teams to assist as Helene’s aftermath continues to devastate thousands.
“The roads are starting to open up, but there are no supplies in town. There’s no gas. The grocery store is gone, and Walmart has probably six inches of mud in the entire parking lot,” he noted.
Biffle is also distributing satellite internet devices to residents without service in Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. SpaceX also donated 300 Starlinks to Biffle, which he transported to the many currently without service.
“I’m blessed to have a small helicopter and about 50 or 60 friends with helicopters,” he explained. “I was able to spread the word on social media. All these guys came in on the ground. It’s been a great feeling to help someone out of that situation.”
With no plans of slowing down, Biffle intends to continue delivering supplies and food for as long as people are in need.