For the past 30 years, Lee’s 24 Hour Towing has been a staple in the Triangle, known for transporting vehicles. However, after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, the company shifted its focus to relief efforts.
Owner Lee Gardener stated, It’s a God thing. He moved me out the way, used the tools we had, and we’ve answered the call. With strong community support, Gardener organized a relief initiative that has seen donations of food, water, and essential supplies pour in.
Gardener and his team made the hours-long drive to deliver these supplies personally, capturing heartbreaking images of the destruction along the way. Driver Andrew Laverdierd described the scene: Trees were down, houses swept away, roads torn up. It’s just not something you see every day.
One stop included Buncombe County Middle School, which served as a distribution site for the donations. Laverdierd expressed the emotional impact of the experience, saying, “Seeing people smiling and waiting for you to pull in really hits your heart.” In a heartwarming gesture, a grateful woman attempted to give Gardener money, which he redirected to a family who had lost everything.
As of Wednesday, the team has also organized donated clothing for families in the affected mountains. Although their relief efforts will officially conclude on Saturday, Gardener is already planning a toy drive for Christmas. We’re going to call it the Polar Express and make sure we take care of the kids,” he said, with plans to distribute thousands of toys to children in need.
Gardener’s guiding principle remains clear: If you see a need, you meet the need. His commitment to helping the community continues to inspire those around him.