Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "The thing I will remember most from this hurricane is the depth of it," said Steve Tybor, President and CEO of Eight Days of Hope who joined WBEN Monday. "Usually when a storm of this size, hits the coast, the first 150-to-200 miles have immediate challenges."
In the case of Hurricane Helene, the damage stretches for hundreds of miles, and is described as apocalyptic.
"We immediately deployed our rapid response ministry and mass feeding units to Perry Florida. We started making thousands and thousands of meals," said Tybor.
"The need is great," he added. "The damage is very widespread. Flooding damage, wind damage. We're talking about tens of thousands of families needing assistance."
This is the 20th year that Eight Days of Hope, an all volunteer organization, has responded to natural disasters with teams of volunteers.
They have extensive equipment from Bobcats and Bucket trucks to begin rebuilding homes and communities. In addition, they have feeding trailers, shower trailers and laundry trailers.
"We have two laundry trailers that will be deployed to two different cities to give people the dignity of just having clean clothes," explained Tybor.
If anyone is interested in getting involved, by volunteering, they can sign up at EightDaysofHope.com. Food and lodging is provided. You have to get there on your own.
Tybor and his volunteers may be hundreds of miles from home, but they often meet people with connections to Western New York.
"All the time," noted Tybor. "You hear people say I was born and raised in Buffalo. Or you get a "Go Bills," or hear a beef on weck or chicken wing story.
The love and passion for Western New York is real. People are always proud to talk about their roots."
You can find more information about Eight Days of Hope HERE. Financial donations are accepted there as well. Tybor said they will remain deployed for as long as they're needed.