Film star Chris Pratt called on Americans to assist victims of Hurricane Helene however they could, noting that “it’s not government, it’s us” that makes our “country great.”
“I think what makes this country great has always been the people in the community,” the “Guardians of the Galaxy” said in a Thursday post on Instagram. “And the people who are willing to step up. It’s not up to other people, it’s up to us.”
“I’ll be making a donation on the side,” Pratt added. “But to anybody out there watching this, $5 bucks, $10 bucks, anything you can do. And if you can’t that’s okay…just let this be an inspiration to you that you can go out there. You can do something. There’s someone out there who needs help.”
“We are the fabric of this society. It’s not government. It’s us,” Pratt continued. “We make this country great. Today, November 5th. and Nov. 6th, no matter what happens, it’s on us to be strong in our country. People showing up and putting boots on the ground.”
At least 180 people across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia have already been confirmed dead in the wake of the hurricane, with the death toll expected to rise. Millions were left without power, internet access, and cell phone service.
Pratt’s comments came in a video in which the actor and former SEAL team member John Gretton “Jocko” Willink Jr. spoke to Green Beret Tim Kennedy about teams “working round the clock” to get aide to those who have lost everything because of the hurricane that hit southeastern states late last week.
“This storm has wreaked havoc on so many people’s lives and it’s important we are informed,” he added. “Please watch the video and head to @saveourallies to help. Anything helps. God bless.”
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Near the end of the clip, Kennedy told Pratt where people could go to donate supplies and money, and put a call out to those who have EMT, paramedics, or search and rescue skills, to volunteer their time.
In a later post, Pratt said “our fellow Americans are suffering. Children, the elderly, entire families still with no food, no water, no hope. They need our help. Thank you.”
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