Get Steven Back on the Road to Help His Hometown Community

My name is Steven Tester and I'm on my way to East Tennessee/Western North Carolina to assist with relief efforts. This is the area I grew up in, with my friends and family all over the majorly impacted areas in that region. I started from Seattle, WA with donations from a handful of people in the area that include much-needed supplies such as baby necessities, blankets, basic hygiene supplies, food, water, etc. Driving 12 hours almost with only stopping for fuel, I arrived in Livingston, MT where my vehicle's transmission failed unexpectedly. Everything being checked prior to the trip to make sure I would A) be able to get there and B) be able to utilize the off-road capabilities in order to ensure I could help out my ravaged hometowns, I was greatly discouraged. A shop in town was able to look at the truck and worked with me to get the lowest price and fastest option to have me on the road and to helping in relief. The plan was to get things distributed to the folks that haven't been able to get much assistance due to already present obstacles only made worse by Helene and then to travel back and forth to neighboring west regions to purchase and bring back more supplies. I've made contact with the efforts in the immediate area to help coordinate the best routes and greatest needs and to offer my volunteering in any other ways possible that should arise. Once the goal is met, I would be on my way the very next day and continuing the efforts. For now, I am stuck in Livingston, MT.