Kentucky woman delivers gifts to veterans impacted by Hurricane Helene

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- When disaster strikes, Vicki Stephens believes in one thing: "Just do something."

That motto has driven the Kentucky woman to bring hope and supplies to veterans devastated by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

Stephens, a full-time nurse, knew she had to act after seeing the storm’s aftermath.

"Oh my gosh, I’ve got to go down there. I’ve got to do something,” Stephens recalled.

She reached out to a friend who works for a veteran's program and learned that many veterans were left homeless after their facility was flooded.

"They were flooded out of their facility, they were in homeless shelters,” she said.

Weeks after the hurricane, she loaded her car with basic necessities and made the trip south. Her first delivery included basic necessities.

“They were so appreciative,” Stephens said.

This holiday season, she is at it again, filling her car with shoes, cookies and more. She plans to leave at 4 a.m. Friday, bringing not just supplies but also hope and hugs to those who’ve lost so much.

Stephens has a long history of helping others. She volunteered for weeks in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and continues to inspire those around her.

"She’s always giving back to people in need,” her daughter, Amie Norton, said.

Stephens doesn’t do it for recognition. In fact, it was a friend who reached out to WDRB to share her story.

"All you have to do is call her, and she’ll do anything for you,” said her friend, Brenda.

For Stephens, the holidays are about taking action, no matter how small.

"Just do something. It doesn’t have to be big—just do it,” she said.

Stephens’ journey reminds us all small acts of kindness make a big difference.

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