DEFOREST, Wis. — A southern Wisconsin Eagle Scout’s dream to help families devastated by Hurricane Helene has grown into a large-scale relief effort involving local businesses, churches, and a DeForest truck driver and his son.
What You Need To Know
- A Madison Eagle Scout spearheaded a community project to collect essential supplies for residents of Minneapolis, North Carolina, who are recovering from severe flooding
- Items such as pantry staples, blankets, batteries and paper products are being collected at Truck Country in DeForest and the WMCA Office in Madison through Jan. 21, 2025
- Danny Tankersley, a truck driver and 2023 Wisconsin Motor Carriers Truck Driver of the Year, along with his autistic son Riley, brought Special Olympics team donations that will go North Carolina
- Businesses like Truck Country and W&A Distribution Services are providing critical support to transport and store donations for families in need
Danny Tankersley, a veteran driver for WEL Companies and the 2023 Wisconsin Motor Carriers Truck Driver of the Year, is at the center of this effort. With his autistic son, Riley, by his side, Tankersley has teamed up with his Special Olympics team to collect critical supplies for the community of Minneapolis, North Carolina, where flooding from Hurricane Helene has left residents struggling to recover.
“It don’t matter who you are — we’re gonna give back,” Tankersley said.
The project was initiated by a young Madison Eagle Scout, who saw the need and took action by collaborating with local churches and businesses to organize a relief drive. Donations of essential items — including pantry staples, batteries, blankets, toys and paper products — are being collected at two locations:
- Truck Country, 5000 Cake Parkway, DeForest, WI
- WMCA Office, 562 Grand Canyon Dr., Madison, WI
The collection drive started on Dec. 16, 2024 and runs through Jan. 21, 2025, with all items set to be transported to the Minneapolis Global Methodist Church in North Carolina. There, local volunteers will assist with distribution to families in need.
“Giving back to the community is one of the biggest things we do,” Tankersley said.
Truck Country in DeForest is serving as the final collection and loading site for donations. W&A Distribution Services has generously donated a truck and driver to transport the goods.
The Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association expressed admiration for the Tankersley family and their efforts.
“It warms my heart, and it’s so touching. On top of everything they do in their work, they’re taking time out of their lives to help others. It’s something most of us don’t do often enough,” said Vice President Dan Johnson.
Jim Wolling, Truck Country’s warehouse supervisor, echoed the sentiment.
“It’s unfortunate that the hurricane made it that far. But everybody pitches in when disaster strikes. It just shows that people do care and want to help others,” he said.
For Tankersley, the mission is personal. His Special Olympics team collected many of the items now being stored at Truck Country, ready to be transported.
“They’re family; they just don’t know it. They’re our friends; they just don’t know it. But we’re here to prove to them that they are,” he said.
The father-son duo said they’re proud of their accomplishment.
“It feels great to be part of this,” Tankersley’s son, Riley, said.
Donations of pantry staples, blankets (new, gently used, or electric), batteries, toys, towels, paper products, condiments and other essentials are still needed. Items can be dropped off until Jan. 21 at the two collection sites.
