A massive truck parked outside of Brother’s Brother Foundation in Pittsburgh’s North Side Tuesday morning is now on its way to California, packed with supplies to help the thousands of people affected by ongoing wildfires in Southern California.
More than 254,000 N95 masks filled 26 pallets and were loaded into a tractor-trailer, as fires tears through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. Thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed, with the fire even costing some their lives.
“I couldn’t imagine a situation like that,” said Ozzy Samad, executive director of the Brother’s Brother Foundation. “It’s just amazing how the community comes together to help others.”
The Brother’s Brother Foundation told Channel 11 that Allegheny Health Network donated the masks. The hospital system has been a major supporter of the nonprofit over the years.
Samad said they often fly supplies overseas after a natural disaster, but in this case, a packed truck was the way to go.
“Given the volume of what we’re sending, it just makes sense. You know, the travel time is not as much as you might think, especially when the truckers almost go directly over,” Samad said.
This isn’t the only truck heading to California from Brother’s Brother. A second truck filled with bottled water and hygiene kits will likely leave from the North Side later on Tuesday or first thing Wednesday, with more help to follow.
“We actually have a third truckload, which, fortunately, we had received a donation from AHN – in this particular case – 18 microwaves and 49 refrigerators,” Samad said.
To help Brother’s Brothers Foundation support wildfire victims, click here.
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