When Todd Eby saw a Facebook post from a friend flying relief supplies into North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, he immediately took action. His involvement started with a single flight, but it quickly grew into a full-scale relief effort, with Eby flying supplies to disaster-stricken areas.
Eby reached out to Grant Baker, and together they coordinated their first flight into North Carolina. After witnessing the devastation firsthand, they realized the enormity of the crisis and decided to keep going. Their initial mission expanded into a full day of flying eight legs, delivering critical supplies to areas in desperate need.
“We saw civilian efforts and grassroots organizations working tirelessly to provide relief,” he said. “That really motivated us to continue.”
Eby joined a fleet of small planes and private helicopters, all delivering resources to hard-to-reach communities. The devastation was overwhelming — clothing stuck 30 feet up in trees, houses destroyed, and livestock swept away.
Determined to ensure the supplies reached the right hands, Eby found a trusted contact on the ground to oversee distribution. He continued flying missions as part of a larger volunteer effort. Initially working with a civilian group, which later changed its name, Eby continues to verify the exact details.
Meanwhile, the Goshen community rallied behind Eby’s efforts. Locals showed up with cash donations and supplies, eager to contribute. Remarkably, the operation ran without support from major organizations, relying solely on volunteers driven by a shared desire to help.
As the situation in North Carolina evolved, Eby adapted. When a request for insulin came in, he quickly coordinated with a doctor and sourced a large supply, ensuring the life-saving medicine reached those who needed it.
“At times, it felt like I was running a black market,” Eby joked of the fast-paced, informal nature of their operations. “But we did whatever it took to get people what they needed as quickly as possible.”
Though floodwaters receded, the damage remained widespread. Eby saw firsthand the long-term impact on communities still grappling with the destruction.
Eby stays in touch with some of the people he helped and continues to find ways to support them. He takes pride in his role during the relief efforts, showing how community-driven efforts can make a powerful difference in times of crisis.
“It was exhausting,” he said of the experience, “but incredibly rewarding.”