Seeking Donations for Hurricane Michael Victims!

Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle of Florida with Category 5 winds in Oct 2018. Some towns suffered destruction of up to 80% of homes and businesses, and the rebuilding process has been slow with little or no help from FEMA. As part of our new Crisis Response program, TBA is participating in the Hurricane Michael recovery process by seeking donations by May 2 (see list below).

During a recent trip to Mexico Beach, FL to view the cleanup status, one visitor reported:

• No grocery store, hardware store or gas stations open, resulting in a one-hour drive for necessities

• Residents without homes or jobs are living in tents or campers in their yards, trying to rebuild day by day

• All hotels in the town that relied on tourism have been demolished

• Many “For Sale” signs sit on lots where owners have given up

• Robbery is common, including a recent robbery of all donated supplies in the Distribution Center set up to help those who are suffering

Items to donate:

• Batteries (all sizes)

• Extension cords (heavy duty)

• Yard tool

• Hand tools

• Duct tape

• Battery operated lights

• Paint brushes / rollers

• Work gloves

• Caulking compound and gloves

• Glue (heavy duty)

• Cat & Dog food

• Cat litter

• Laundry soap

• Dish soap

• Trash bags (large)

• Zip lock bags (large)

• Bug spray

• Hand soap

• Deodorant

• Shampoo

• Band-Aids

• Antibiotic cream

• Diapers

• Baby wipes

• Paper products (plates, etc)

Items should all be new, except that gently used tools are ok to donate. Please leave your donated items in the TBA coatroom. If you prefer to give money or gift cards, please give that to Claudia and we will shop before the deadline. If you prefer to order items on line, please have them shipped to Claudia’s attention at TBA (Claudia Folkman, TBA, 45 Puddingstone Lane, Newton Centre, MA 02459)