URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Much of the Southeast is still recovering from the destruction of Hurricane Helene. Last week, a St. Joseph tattoo artist stepped up to help. Now, he’s making the more than 600-mile drive to bring essential supplies to those in need.
Ryan Johnson has a 26-foot Penske truck packed to the brim with supplies. He and a friend left Saturday night for Lake Lure, North Carolina. Between road closures and the size of the truck, they anticipated the trip to take around 12 hours.
Johnson grew up in western North Carolina.
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“It helped me develop to be the person I am in life,” Johnson added. “I started my tattooing career there, so I owe a lot back to my community.”
He woke up on his birthday and had no messages from his family. After checking social media, he saw why.
“I didn’t want to be one sitting in my home here, enjoying the comforts of my home here and the ability to go out to the store and get stuff, when I got not only my family but friends and the rest of the community back home that don’t have anything anymore.” said Johnson. “You know, I just felt like I needed to do something and get to get some help down there to them.”