Radio host and singer Granger Smith is teaming up with the non-profit organization Hope Found to deliver essential supplies to the hurricane-ravaged areas of the South. He plans to broadcast his iHeart Radio show on-location through Starlink kits. Smith is a minister and former country singer best known to many country fans as the host of the iHeart Radio show After Midnite with Granger Smith. He plans to use Starlink kits to broadcast from the heart of Appalachia, where much of the region has lost electricity following the devastation caused by heavy rains from Hurricane Helene. When they leave, he and his team will leave behind the Starlink kits for residents.
Smith said he wants to help rally support for the region.
“This is something that hasn’t really been attempted before and I’m thrilled to have iHeart’s support,” Smith said. “We want to see for ourselves what these people are facing and report exactly what we see.”
Smith, who often works with Hope Found, has partnered with the non-profit to deliver essential supplies and support to the Carolinas and East Tennessee. A convoy with a semi-truck and several trailers full of supplies departed Sunday for the region.
“We’re going into places where there is no infrastructure left,” Smith said. “We’re fully autonomous and will be searching for those most in need.”
It is essential, he said, to have “intel on the ground” in order to know what is needed.
“The needs change constantly and will continue to change as the days go on,” he said. “We are bringing things like water filtration systems, chainsaw oil, propane, medical supplies, among everyday essentials.”
Meanwhile, Smith is releasing his final country album, a live recording of his 2023 farewell tour, with all proceeds benefiting hurricane relief through the River Kelly Fund. The Like A River, The Farewell Tour, Live album will be released on all platforms Friday, Oct. 18. It was recorded at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas.
Photo Credit:©Micah Kandros, Paul De La Cerda-Shauna Dodds, used with permission.
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.