As Hurricanes Helene and Milton ripped through our communities, they left life-altering damage behind for many, including Mario Martinez.
“I lost everything, you know, kind of turned my life upside down a little bit, but I still have my television, so that’s a bright spot. I’m grateful. I’m grateful just to have what I do have,” he said.
But since Milton made landfall, Martinez has spent his days hopping into his truck and heading off to help others in the same position.
“It’s been a challenge, but I’ve gotten through it. It’s been tough, but life is tough, you know. So I’m trying to remain positive, focusing, you know, on little things that I can control. You know, obviously, with the hurricane, hasn’t been easy, but life isn’t easy,” he added.
Martinez works for College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling & Junk Moving.
Most of his hauls lately have been debris removal and storing salvageable furniture.
“Seeing everybody going through the same thing, you feel that sense of almost like you’re in it together. You know, it’s a team thing. So it really, really motivates me to want to get out there and help.”