Local relief operation headed to Tennessee

FINDLAY — McGuire & Son's Trucking is holding open donating hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Liberty Benton High School to donate items for hurricane relief efforts in Erwin, Tennessee. Items will be gathered between the elementary and high school building by the flagpoles. Requested items include water, cleaning supplies, baby diapers and formula, bleach (non-scented), trash bags, toilet paper, flashlights, batteries and nonperishables. Cash, checks and electronic payment donation will not be accepted. Erwin, with a population of just over 6,000, is one of a number of towns hit by hurricane Helene. A news release from the Tennessee state government's website states Gov. Bill Lee recently announced approval of an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for several counties in the state, including Unicoi County in which Erwin is located. A Facebook post from McGuire & Son's Trucking said their driver has a "long drive through the mountains" once the truck leaves Saturday morning. The trip map, attached to the Facebook post, shows only one way to get into the town off of U.S. 23. "Our driver will top his fuel tanks off right before he crosses over the Ohio-Kentucky state line, to ensure he has fuel to get back home. Fuel isn't really an option once he gets there," the post reads. The post goes on to say the driver volunteered his personal time for the trip and McGuire & Son's Trucking LLC asks for people to "bless (him) with safe travels."