Hurricane Survivor Honored For Giving Back To His Community Even When He Had Nothing

Hurricane Survivor Honored For Giving Back To His Community Even When He Had Nothing

A hurricane survivor whose home was destroyed is being honored after he gave back to his community, even when he had nothing left.

Volleyball coach Carlos Rolon was living in Puerto Rico in 2017 when Hurricane Maria struck. His home was destroyed, and he was forced to wait on lines for hours at a time just to buy a few water bottles or cans of food to feed his family.

A month later, Rolon and his family left Puerto Rico for Florida, but he never forgot about his community back in Puerto Rico.

Despite losing a lot himself, Rolon still found a way to help those in need by sending back as many supplies as he could.

Then, Hurricane Ian hit Florida in 2022 and Rolon was back to doing what he does best, helping his community.

He began collecting items and donations to deliver to those who needed them most.

Rolon founded the Dynamite Volleyball Club and teaches his players more than just the game of volleyball.

He inspires the girls to volunteer through the club's Dynamite Club Initiative. They focus on how they can best help those in need during natural disasters and any other troubles they may go through during the year.

So far, they have given $20,000 in scholarships to their community for kids to play volleyball.

"We've been through a lot in our life, my family and myself we've been through a lot, so that's why we know what the people go through when they have natural disasters...so we just want to give back and help," Rolon told GMA.

But now it's time for the community to give back to Rolon.

With help from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Netspend, Good Morning America surprised Rolon with a personalized Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey and tickets to the wild card game, along with a check for $10,000.

Watch his story and deserving surprise in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjxJKSqb_ls
Ashley McCann

Growing up, Ashley always had a passion for writing. After receiving her Bachelor's in Journalism from Stony Brook University, she dove right into the professional world of content. When she isn't writing, she loves to read, travel, and explore the outdoors with her husband and two dogs.

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