After Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina on September 28, 2024, Buchanan Hauling & Rigging and Buchanan Logistics took immediate action, launching the “Fill the Truck” campaign. This initiative showcased the power of community collaboration and responsibility in driving positive change during challenging times.
THE CAMPAIGN: FILLING 20 TRUCKS FOR HURRICANE RELIEF
On October 3, 2024, an employee's desire to support the hurricane victims in North Carolina led Buchanan Hauling & Rigging and Buchanan Logistics to start the “Fill the Truck” campaign. The ambitious goal: fill 20 semi-trucks with critical supplies. Inspired by the company’s relief work during Hurricane Katrina, founder Geary Buchanan challenged employees, local businesses, and residents of Northeast Indiana to rally together and make a difference.
Drawing from the company’s core values—Determination, Integrity, Safety, and Community—employees mobilized quickly. The campaign sought donations of non-perishable food, hygiene products, clothing, and other essential items to be delivered to areas in North Carolina hit hardest, including Asheville and Alexandria.
A COMMUNITY UNITED
Fort Wayne responded with overwhelming support. Businesses, radio stations, television networks, and individuals came together in remarkable ways to back the cause:
- Radio stations WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM & 1190 AM, 98.9 The Bear, K105, 97.3 WMEE, and 1380 The Fan broadcasted live from Buchanan Logistics, encouraging listeners to get involved.
- Local TV stations, including WANE 15, 21 Alive, and WFFT 55, provided on-location coverage, spreading the word to an even larger audience.
- Many local businesses made significant contributions, including:
Indiana Millwright Services, Swallows Landscape Services, Sonrise Church, Brookside Church, American Health & Wellness and Mike Weiss, Home Sweet Home In-Home Care, Cherry Hill Golf Club, Autumn Ridge Golf Club, Rodger, Diane, & Grant Delarange, Integrity Financial Advisors, Inc., Don Ayres Honda, Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation, Kelly Box & Packaging, Key Spouses, Mike Swinford, Orion Safety Products, Co-Tronix, PDQ-Workholding - Columbia City, Pretzels, Inc. - Bluffton, Sunbelt Rentals, PTR Premier Truck Rental, C3 Construction Services, Pet Supplies Plus, Roller Dome North, Pyromation, Inc., Grain and Berry (Fort Wayne), Select Medical Rehabilitation Hospital, Heartland Hospice, Cornwell Tools, Fort Wayne Turners, St. John Catholic Church, Master Spas, Kappa Delta Phi Sorority - Psi Rho Chapter Hamilton, IN, and JAT of Fort Wayne
Even schools like Homestead and Central Noble joined the effort, serving as donation drop-off points to further extend the campaign’s reach.
CAMPAIGN MILESTONES AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Momentum for the campaign grew rapidly:
- By October 5, the first truck was packed and on its way to North Carolina, prompting Buchanan to add additional collection days over the weekend.
- By October 9, seven trucks were filled, leading the company to extend collection efforts through October 18 as donations continued pouring in.
- On October 11, the count reached 16 trucks, with more still being loaded.
- By October 18, the campaign achieved its goal, successfully we were going to be able to fill all 20 trucks with vital supplies for hurricane relief.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND EXTENDED EFFORTS
In addition to the physical donations, the campaign received generous financial contributions. Buchanan employees' donations were matched by Owners, Geary and Becky Buchanan. Additionally, local businesses and community members contributed along with a GoFundMe campaign raised enough funds to help us hit our goal and fill the trucks with essential supplies.
IMPACTING NORTH CAROLINA
The “Fill the Truck” campaign made a significant impact in North Carolina. Drivers Johnny and Crystal, who helped deliver some of the trucks, shared photos of the damage and ongoing recovery efforts, providing a firsthand glimpse into how the community’s contributions were making a difference.
In total, 20 fully loaded trucks will make the journey from Fort Wayne to North Carolina, delivering critical supplies to the areas in greatest need. With a good chance of a 21st load! The campaign demonstrated the power of teamwork and compassion in times of crisis.
A UNITED COMMUNITY
The “Fill the Truck” campaign highlighted the generosity of the Fort Wayne community and the commitment of Buchanan Hauling & Rigging and Buchanan Logistics to support those in need. With the help of local residents, they made a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by Hurricane Helene. As the final trucks reach their destinations, Buchanan celebrates the collective spirit that made this achievement possible.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and spread the word. Together, we filled more than trucks—we filled hearts and provided essential aid to those in need.
