Local groups collect donations for first responders recovering from Helene [Video]

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Firefighters and first responders have been helping needy families for days following Hurricane Helene, but many of them also have damaged homes.

Now, local organizations are coming together to help those who have helped our community the most.

“You’re used to being the help for everybody else, but there does come a time where you yourself need to reach out for help,” said Adam Clemons, a Lealman firefighter.

“It definitely hits home when I see people have damage, I know I’m going through the same thing,” said Matt Bush, another firefighter.

Bush works for the Lealman Fire Department, and during the storm, he watched his home flood from afar.

“I was monitoring the situation on Siesta Key webcam, and you could see the water coming up higher and higher,” said Bush.

There was roughly three feet of water in his home, but he couldn’t see the …