Thornbury resident Ron Giacinto has had a positive impact on a young survivor of last year’s Hurricane Helene, writes Bill Rettew for The Daily Local News.
In September 2024, the deadly hurricane devastated land and residences across North Carolina. One victim was Allie G., who was living with her grandparents when the flooding destroyed most of their belongings.
Allie and her grandparents were living in a friend’s basement when she met Giacinto at an event during Christmas week.
Giacinto, a volunteer fire policeman, was on his fifth relief mission to North Carolina. After connecting with Allie at the event, he reached out to her grandparents to offer support during the crisis.
With Giacinto and the help of State Senator Carolyn Comitta and United States Representative Chrissy Houlahan, the family received a low-income apartment through FEMA.
Allie has since maintained a close friendship with Ron and his wife Cheryl, and recently spent several weeks visiting Chester County.
During the visit, Allie visited local amusement parks, swam at local beaches, played arcade games, and even visited Adventure Aquarium in Camden.
About Giacinto, whom she now calls “Uncle Ron,” Allie said, “He feels like my uncle. He feels like family.”
Read more about Ron Giacinto and his support for a young Hurricane Helene survivor in The Daily Local News.
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