October 31, 2024 | fuelrelieffund
When disaster strikes, access to fuel can mean the difference between survival and struggle. In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Fuel Relief Fund (FRF) stepped in to provide critical fuel support to thousands of families left without power, transportation, or essential resources. Over 16 grueling days, our dedicated volunteer teams delivered over 86,000 gallons of fuel to more than 8,600 families across Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida Fuel Relief Fund supplied each family with 10 gallons of gasoline by directly fueling their vehicle or by filling a gas can to take home and use in their generator or medical equipment.
Fueling Recovery in Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene left thousands of families in need of assistance. FRF deployed immediately, bringing free fuel to areas of urgent need in rural southern Georgia and Augusta, GA. After the first week in Georgia, we shifted our focus to North Carolina, particularly areas in and around Asheville, continuing to provide 10 gallons per family for first responders, generators, and families as they started their recovery efforts.
Navigating treacherous terrain, FRF’s teams ensured that fuel reached even the most remote mountain communities. In many cases, five-gallon containers of gasoline were hand-delivered to families cut off from essential supplies. Working alongside the North Carolina National Guard, we provided 1,500 gallons of fuel, transported by trucks, helicopters, and ATVs to the most isolated mountain locations surrounding Asheville.
In times of crisis, partnerships make all the difference. Through a joint effort with Samaritan’s Purse, FRF facilitated an entire tanker of gasoline (approximately 8,400 gallons) to support rural fire departments around Asheville. Utilizing Chinook helicopters, Samaritan’s Purse delivered FRF’s fuel in fifty-five-gallon drums to unreachable areas, ensuring that emergency responders and community members could continue their vital work.
In total, FRF gave away 56,000 gallons of fuel between Georgia and Asheville, NC helping those impacted by Hurricane Helene to begin their recovery efforts.
As FRF entered the final stages of our Hurricane Helene deployment, Hurricane Milton made landfall as a category three storm near Siesta Key, FL. Hurricane Milton’s arrival was less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene hit Florida’s Big Bend region as a category four. One of the Team Leads pivoted from Asheville, NC and drove down to Florida to meet up with the new team to start handing out fuel in the Tampa Bay and the surrounding area.
In Florida, FRF provided 30,000 gallons of fuel to support first responders and hospital workers. St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, FL, received fuel to help their staff get to work and keep operations running. First responders and families impacted by Hurricane Milton in Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg also received fuel to help provide relief and power their vehicles, medical equipment, and generators to start the recovery efforts.
Chevron’s Critical Support
Chevron played a significant role in FRF’s response to both hurricanes, generously donating $225,000 towards our relief efforts and providing an in-kind donation of 8,300 gallons of gasoline, which was picked up in Panama City, FL. Their support was critical to ensure we could reach as many people as possible during this crisis.
Why Fuel Matters in Disaster Relief
Fuel is more than just a resource—it’s a lifeline. It powers generators that keep hospitals running, allows emergency responders to reach those in need, and helps families evacuate or return home safely. As the only charitable organization solely focused on emergency fuel assistance, FRF brings both industry expertise and humanitarian commitment to every mission, ensuring that fuel reaches those who need it most.
How You Can Help
The work doesn’t stop when the storms pass. Fuel Relief Fund relies on the generosity of donors and industry partners to continue delivering emergency fuel in times of crisis. Whether through donations, sponsorships, or spreading the word, you can be part of the mission to provide fuel relief when it matters most.
To support our efforts, visit Fuel Relief Fund and donate today. For updates on our ongoing efforts, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Together, we fuel hope, one gallon at a time.
