TAMPA, Fla. — A Lakeland woman has spearheaded taking several trips of donated relief supplies to Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina.

What You Need To Know

  • Julie Bulloch believes God spoke to her about taking donated items to Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina.

  • Polk County residents have responded in a big way to help with the effort.

  • The Bullochs hope to take another trip to North Caroina with lots of Christmas presents for children.

  • Would you like to nominate an Everyday Hero? Click here

Julie Bulloch says the inspiration to do that came to her in the middle of the night.

Bulloch said she believes God spoke to her about helping the hurricane victims and she told her husband Rusty they needed to make their first trip in just a few days.

“And he just looked at me like I had lost my mind,” she said. “But you know, you never put limitations on what you believe in and when you are spoken to.  You know you are what are supposed to do, you just do it.”

Bulloch has a large social media following, and after she posted a request for clothes and other items, the donations started to pour in. On the drive to their drop off location in Brevard, North Carolina the couple said the devastation they saw was intense.

“What we’re seeing down here on the news and social media doesn’t even come close to covering what’s going on up there,” said Rusty Bulloch.

Julie Bulloch said the need in Western North Carolina is still great.

“You know there are still people up there that are pretty much trapped up there because roads are gone. So, unless you hike out, there is no getting out,” she said.

The last trip to North Carolina included lots of warm weather clothes.

“Every night it’s going to be freezing cold there,” said Rusty. “And these people are sleeping under tarps. And washing their clothes in muddy water.”

Rusty got a little emotional when he was asked about what he thought of Julie’s leadership on helping hurricane victims.

“Those who really know her, know her heart. They have got to see a hero for the past two months. I’ve got to see one for the past 40 years.”

The couple is planning another trip to North Carolina in mid-December. They hope to take a huge load of Christmas presents for children.

Here are some drop off locations if you would like to help:

S&D Real Estate Services
2000 E Edgewood Dr #103, Lakeland

John K9, LLC
3701 E Trapnell Road, Plant City

Lock Insurance
225 Doris Dr, Lakeland

The Lay Group at EXP Realty
20 Lake Wire Dr Suite 153, Lakeland