NAHUNTA, Ga. – As the Highway 82 Fire continues to burn, Brantley County residents are not waiting for someone else to step in. Volunteers and local organizations have turned a Main Street parking lot into a lifeline for people who have lost nearly everything.
The donation center at 10305 North Main Street in Nahunta — organized by Brantley County Family Connection and UGA Extension — is open to anyone displaced by the fire. Between 40 and 60 volunteers have shown up each day to sort donations and help neighbors walk out with what they need.
“We can’t give them a new house, but we can love on them and try to support them and supply them with what we can,” said Crystal Taylor, one of the volunteers. “We wouldn’t have all of this without the community bringing it in.”
A disaster that demands hurricane-level supplies
As of Sunday afternoon, the Highway 82 Fire has burned nearly 21,000 acres and remains just 7 percent contained. With many displaced residents sleeping in tents and without air conditioning, organizers say the needs mirror those of a hurricane aftermath.
Dawn Deen, executive director of Brantley County Family Connection, said several items are running critically low.
“One thing is batteries. We do not have a lot of batteries,” Deen said. “We’ve had people coming in that are sleeping in tents, using battery-operated flashlights. Cooling rags — because they don’t have AC, they can put it around their neck and cool off. Batteries, flashlights, anything like that they could use in a tent.”
Can openers are also in short supply.
“It’s basically the supplies you would need in a hurricane — that’s exactly what we’re needing now, because it’s still a disaster,” Deen said.
‘Brantley Strong’ on full display
Volunteers say the turnout has been a reflection of who Brantley County is at its core.
“Everyone has been in good spirits — considering they’re going through probably some of the worst days of their lives — and still have a smile on their face,” said volunteer Bethany Smith. “That’s amazing to me.”
Taylor echoed that sentiment, describing the outpouring as something deeper than just dropping off supplies.
“It makes me proud to live in Brantley,” Taylor said. “The small community really comes together — we’re the hands and feet of Jesus, trying to love on everybody and just be there for everybody the best we can.”
Both volunteers said “Brantley Strong” means exactly what it sounds like.
“There’s no doubt that when tragedy strikes, this community is going to come together,” Taylor said. “Without a doubt,” Smith added.
How to help
The donation center at 10305 North Main Street in Nahunta is accepting donations and open to anyone in need. Organizers say they will remain open for as long as they are needed.
Those who want to make a monetary donation to Brantley County Family Connection can do so through their PayPal link here.