Frankfort Man Volunteering in Florida after Hurricane Helene Destruction

The Devastation and Recovery Efforts

Following the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, a Chicago-area man, Al Lopez, traveled to Florida to lend a helping hand.

Data and Statistics

• • Al Lopez, a Red Cross volunteer from Illinois, is helping with recovery efforts in Florida after Hurricane Helene made landfall.
  • Lopez, who is serving in his first hurricane response, has been delivering meals and water to residents in the devastated area of Keaton Beach.
  • Florida’s Keaton Beach, part of Taylor County, has been hit by three hurricanes in 13 months, leaving some residents questioning whether to rebuild.

Red Cross Efforts

Red Cross crews from across the country, including Illinois, are on the ground in Florida to assist with recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm.

Volunteer’s Experience

One of those volunteers is Al Lopez, who drove from suburban Frankfort to Keaton Beach, an area that was devastated by the hurricane’s “unsurvivable” storm surge and 140 mph winds.

Lopez, a Red Cross volunteer since 2023, is helping with his first hurricane response effort. Since arriving in Keaton Beach, he’s provided more than 200 meals and food for 300 people, delivering much-needed supplies to residents struggling to recover from the destruction.

In His Own Words

In his 28 years of service in the Army and as a police officer, Lopez says he’s never seen anything like this and plans to stay in the area for at least another two weeks to assist with ongoing relief work.

Conclusion

Al Lopez’s story is just one example of the countless individuals who are working together to help those affected by Hurricane Helene. Despite the devastation, there is hope for recovery and rebuilding in the affected areas.