Actor Channing Tatum surprises Helene’s humanitarian volunteers with a surprise visit to Asheville

Actor Channing Tatum shocked Tropical Storm Helene volunteers with an unannounced visit to an Asheville food bank on Wednesday.

Not only did Tatum enter the MANNA Food Bank with a truck full of supplies, but he also helped unload them and sort the items along with food bank staff members and volunteers, officials at the hunger-relief nonprofit said. on Facebook.

“Despite everything our communities have been through since Hurricane Helene, it has been truly amazing to see such incredible people showing up to support us – and that includes Channing and her team,” said Claire Neal, CEO of MANNA Food Bank, on Facebook.

“He started working with our team, distributing food and resources,” Neal said. “It was wonderful to see all the smiles he brought to families at the WNC Farmers Market giveaway.”

Helene, a former Category 5 hurricane, killed at least 95 people in the state and caused record flooding and damage in western North Carolina after making landfall on September 28. Entire mountain communities disappeared in swollen, raging rivers. At least 90 people remain missing, emergency officials said.

Tatum was already in North Carolina to film the movie “Roofman” in the Charlotte area, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.

The film is based on the true story of serial thief Jeffrey Manchester, known as “Roofman” or “Rooftop Robber”. He broke into dozens of McDonald’s restaurants across the U.S., including in the Charlotte area, and was arrested in Gaston County in 2000.

Tatum is best known for starring in the “Magic Mike” films..

Making a difference

On Instagram on Oct. 7, days after the deadly hurricane hit, Tatum asked his 17.5 million followers to donate to the nonprofit 2Baby2. 2Baby2 has provided at least 200 million diapers to U.S. families in need and at least 60 million essential items to children devastated by natural disasters and other emergencies.

“Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these families during this challenging time,” Tatum said on Instagram.

People on social media praised Tatum after his appearance in Asheville.

“Soooo, so cute!!!” one woman posted on Facebook. “You can see his heart!”

“Thank you, beautiful soul, for helping in this difficult time,” another woman posted on Facebook. “May God bless you always.”