BOONE, NC – On Thursday, Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell and Chief Deputy Bengie Gaddis hand-delivered a $50,000 check from Johnston County to Franklin Graham at Samaritan’s Purse in Boone, NC.
On September 30, 2024, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of other county agencies, launched a fundraising effort to help victims in western North Carolina following the devastating impacts by Hurricane Helene.
Over the following weeks, the fundraiser generated 16 tractor trailer loads of supplies that were transported to Flat Rock, NC and distributed to needy families in six western NC counties. In addition, citizens and businesses had the opportunity to make monetary donations, which totaled $50,000.
Sheriff Bizzell said it was important for him to deliver the check in person to the Graham family and Samaritan’s Purse to help with ongoing relief efforts.
Franklin Graham’s wife, Jane Austin Graham, was born and raised in Smithfield, NC. During Thursday’s visit, they discussed Johnston County and Smithfield.
“The Graham’s were so appreciative that Jane’s hometown entrusted the Graham Family and Samaritan’s Purse with making sure this money got to the people of western North Carolina that were devastated by the hurricane,” Sheriff Bizzell said. “The people of Johnston County stepped up and supported their neighbors in Western North Carolina.”
“I was just overwhelmed with the support of the citizens, businesses, and churches that provided supplies and the $50,000 in donations that made this a reality. Sometimes we are blessed in blessing others, and we saw that today,” Sheriff Bizzell added.
