The effort was spearheaded by Jacob Pangborn, a project manager with Lakeshore Paving Company whose passion for organizing large-scale projects helped bring together resources, volunteers and donations for the weeklong endeavor. The new structure replaces the original barn at Brank Farm, built in 1944 and lost to the fierce winds and flooding caused by last October’s storm.

Jacob’s father, Lance Pangborn, who also helped lead the initiative, said the project was the result of months of coordination, generosity and determination.

“We really wanted to rebuild someone’s house, but we just couldn’t get that coordinated,” Lance Pangborn said. “Then Jake delivered hay to Brank Farm back in February and learned about how they were struggling without their barn. He went to work immediately. After helping with relief efforts in the immediate aftermath of the storm, we felt strongly about continuing. We learned about Brittany Eisenman and the NW PA Hay Drive and we began hauling hay to farmers who had lost the ability to feed their livestock through the winter. We also followed other relief efforts, and we were determined to do more ourselves.”

Jacob Pangborn collaborated with David Fisher, the farmer who owns Brank Farm, to design the new barn. The result?

Area crews are pictured preparing the site for a new barn for the Fisher family in North Carolina. Photo submitted to The Post-Journal

“I now have the nicest barn in the county,” Fisher proudly stated.

The Pangborns first got involved in relief efforts shortly after Hurricane Helene swept through the area, aiding in immediate storm response. Moved by the destruction and inspired by the story of Brittany Eisenman and the NW PA Hay Drive, they joined in hauling hay to farmers who had lost their winter livestock feed. These connections laid the foundation for what would become the Brank Farm barn project.

Many of the materials for the build were donated, thanks in large part to Jacob Pangborn’s outreach to local companies. Dallas McHenry of McHenry Construction, who had previously worked in the Dominican Republic, helped connect the team with a donor for the trusses. Volunteers came from several local churches and organizations, including Calvary Chapel, Warren Alliance, Conduit, Busti Church of God, McHenry Construction, and Nehemiah Restorations.

Local volunteers also worked with the Civilian Disaster Response Organization.

“Everyone who joined us on this trip gave so much of themselves,” said Lance Pangborn. “We can share all kinds of stories about obstacles we’ve faced, the locals we’ve helped, and the sense of fulfillment knowing we’ve made a real impact.”

Volunteers, owners and workers at the Brank Farm in North Carolina are pictured. Volunteers from Chautauqua and Warren counties came together to rebuild a barn that had been destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Photo submitted to The Post-Journal

Jacob and Lance presented the full story of the barn build recently at Calvary Chapel, where they received an outpouring of support from their home community. Photos and videos of the project, including a time-lapse of the construction, can be found on the Calvary Chapel Facebook page.

As for what’s next?

The Pangborns aren’t finished.

“We’re open to more relief trips as opportunities arise,” Lance said. “There’s always more work to be done, and we’re ready.”