‘People pull together’: Volunteers from across the country help Big Bend recover

SUWANNEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) - Thousands of volunteers are setting up across the Big Bend to help those affected by Hurricane Helene. Numerous groups are helping with supplies while rebuilding homes and businesses.

Volunteers from across the country were in Suwannee on Sunday helping feed dozens of people after Hurricane Helene.

Suwannee was just one location where Operation BBQ Relief was handing out meals. The Kansas City-based charity brings BBQ masters from across the country to feed people affected by disasters.

Its founder Stan Hays said it's what they can do to help brighten someone's day during their darkest time.

"When it's somebody's worst day, or worst week of their life potentially, I can't change that. But I can give them something, like good comfort food like BBQ is, to get them past the next 5 to 10 minutes while they're eating so they can think about those good times," Hays said.

"When you have really bad things happen, you see the good in people come out in the response. People pull together. These organizations come here and they are working around the clock," Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

Many organizations will be helping out for several weeks, as long as there is a need.