Radio host and singer Granger Smith is working with the nonprofit organization Hope Found to deliver essential supplies to hurricane-ravaged areas in the South. He plans to broadcast his iHeart Radio show on-site through a Starlink kit. Smith is a minister and former country singer, best known to many country fans as the host of the iHeart radio show. After Midnight with Granger Smith. He plans to use the Starlink kit to broadcast from the heart of Appalachia, where much of the region is without power after heavy rains from Hurricane Helen. When they leave, he and his team leave Starlink kits for the residents.
Smith said he wants to rally support for the area.
“This is something that has never really been attempted before, and we’re excited to have iHeart’s support,” Smith said. “We want to see for ourselves what these people are facing and report exactly what we're seeing.”
Smith often works with Hope Found, which partners with nonprofit organizations to bring needed supplies and support to the Carolinas and East Tennessee. A convoy of semi-trucks and several trailers full of supplies left for the area on Sunday.
“We're trying to go into places where there's no infrastructure left,” Smith said. “We are completely autonomous and seek out those most in need.”
He said it was essential to get “local information” to know what was needed.
“Needs are always changing and will continue to change as the days go by,” he said. “We bring in everyday necessities like water filtration systems, chainsaw oil, propane and medical supplies.”
Meanwhile, Smith has released his final country album, a live recording from his 2023 Farewell Tour, with all proceeds going to hurricane relief efforts. river kelly foundation. of Like a River, Farewell Tour, Live The album will be released on all platforms on Friday, October 18th. The album was recorded at Billy Bob's in Fort Worth, Texas.
Photo by ©Micah Kandros, Paul De La Cerda-Shauna Dodds, used with permission.
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
