Samaritan's Purse Coordinating Largest Civilian Airlift Operation in U.S. History

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Oct 11, 2024, 19:51 ET

BOONE, N.C., Oct. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Samaritan's Purse has completed more than 210 helicopter and fixed-wing missions to deliver emergency relief supplies to some of the most isolated and hard-hit areas of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee in response to Hurricane Helene—with more airlifts going out every day. From small helicopters to Black Hawks to Chinooks, capable of carrying over 15,000 pounds of cargo, Samaritan's Purse is delivering generators, fuel, heaters, blankets, medical kits, food, water, and Starlinks to communities that have been cut off by floodwaters, mudslides, and washed-out roads.

Samaritan’s Purse has completed more than 210 helicopter and fixed-wing missions to deliver emergency relief supplies to some of the most isolated and hard-hit areas of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee in response to Hurricane Helene—with more airlifts going out every day.

From small helicopters to Black Hawks to Chinooks, capable of carrying over 15,000 pounds of cargo, Samaritan’s Purse is delivering generators, fuel, heaters, blankets, medical kits, food, water, and Starlinks to communities that have been cut off by floodwaters, mudslides, and washed-out roads.

Numerous aircraft from private businesses, individuals, non-profit organizations, the North Carolina Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army have been a part of making this large-scale response possible.

"This is unprecedented. It's a testimony to what can be done when people work together. It's nothing short of a miracle and we give God the glory," said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. "We are thankful to God for bringing all of these people and groups together to help those who have been devastated by Helene."

The international Christian relief organization has loaded and dispatched these flights out of the small airstrip located near its headquarters in Boone, North Carolina. These airlifts have delivered supplies to dozens of churches and fire departments across 17 counties.

Media Opportunities

Interview Edward Graham, Chief Operating Officer of Samaritan's Purse.
Interview Aaron Ashoff, Deputy Director of International Projects.
On-site media opportunities may be scheduled at the Boone, NC airport. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Download high-res photos and broadcast-quality b-roll of the response efforts.

In addition to air missions, Samaritan's Purse has also deployed Disaster Relief Units—tractor-trailers stocked with tools and equipment—to Asheville, Boone, and Burnsville, North Carolina; Perry and Tampa, Florida; and Valdosta, Georgia. More than 13,000 volunteers have served over 700 families in need by mudding out flooded homes, clearing debris, removing downed trees, and tarping damaged roofs.

Samaritan's Purse responds to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations—especially in locations where few others are working. Led by Present and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan's Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, poverty, famine, and persecution. For more information, visit SamaritansPurse.org.

SOURCE Samaritan's Purse