Mix 104.1 rallies Cleveland residents to aid Helene victims

Hundreds of people brought thousands of items for those hardest hit by Hurricane Helene on Tuesday for Mix 104.1’s Hurricane Helene relief broadcast.

The items go to Operation Compassion, who have teams in Northeast TN, Western NC, and Florida.

Mix 104.1, ESPN Cleveland 101.3, Fiesta 99.1, and MixTV.tv hosted the broadcast at Life Care Corporate Headquarters.

You can still donate: Operationcompassion.org

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From Local 3 News: WCLE's radio stations out of Cleveland teamed up with 'Operation Compassion,' collecting donations for those most affected by Hurricane Helene.

From 7:00am to 10:00am, WCLE's stations, including Mix 104.1, held a special broadcast urging people to drop off donations throughout the show.

"Someone in Asheville texted me over the weekend and said, "Steve, think of it like there's no water, no electricity, it's like survival mode" what would you need… what would you need in a survival mode… and that's what these folks are doing," said Steve Hartline, WCLE Broadcasting owner & Morning Host of Mix 104.1.

The turnout was immediate. Car after car drove into the 'Life Care Centers of America' parking lot, dropping off essentials like water and non-perishable food.
"Those people need everything, so we're blessed, and we can give, and we can help out, so me and my wife decided we'd just come by and donate," said Cleveland resident Donnie White.

Students from Cleveland High School volunteered to unload dozens of vehicles and then pack several 'Operation Compassion' trucks with supplies.

"So we've just been taking care packages and products from people willing to donate, and we're sending it off to people in need," said Natalie Higgins, Cleveland High School student.
 
"I just hope these give the families a little bit of hope because it's hard to go without the daily necessities of life, like without water," said JayLee Garcia, Cleveland High School student.

"It just shows that a lot of us care, and if this was happening to our community. I'm really grateful that there are people out there willing to step up and show support," said Emily Patterson, Cleveland High School student.
 
Hartline says 'Operation Compassion' has already been assisting in North Carolina and Florida, and they will continue to travel back and forth for as long as they're needed.

"They are directly impacting people who need help, and there's something within all of us that really responds to that, but especially in our area," said Hartline.
If you missed the community event, people can still donate to the disaster response non-profit - just click here.