NASCAR Helps Fire Victim

Theodore Hurricane Gustav Jacky Long's house burned down when he evacuated for Hurricane Katrina. Then an evacuee stole his car. NASCAR great Dale Jarrett heard Jacky's story and wanted to help.

by Tiffany Craig

Published: Fri, October 03, 2008 - 5:38 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, October 03, 2008 - 5:43 pm CST

Jacky Long's story started on the last day of August. He evacuated for Hurricane Gustav and his Theodore house burned down. A few days later, another hurricane evacuee stole his car.

News 5 viewers felt Jacky's pain and opened their wallets and their closets to help. Jacky was overwhelmed. "My Lord Jesus!"

Jacky's brother bought him a travel trailer and News 5 viewers helped fill it up!

On Friday, we stopped by with some NASCAR items to replace what Jacky lost in the fire. One viewer passed along posters, magazines and a collectible car.

I had another box stashed in the car that was shipped to me from North Carolina. Someone from Dale Jarrett's fan club heard about Jacky's story. So, they got Dale to autograph a hat, car tag and a special picture addressed to Jacky.

The old racecar fan couldn't be happier. "Yup, I've got everything I need and couldn't ask for any better."

Thanks to everyone who donated to get Jacky Long back on track.

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southernpride7 Says:

Fri, Oct 03, 2008 at 6:55 pm

this is truely a wonderful story. this shows there are still wonderful people out there willing to help. I am so glad he has gotten back on his feet and not turned the wrong way since he was done so wrong. god bless him and his granddaughter