Efforts are under way in Sumter, Lake and Marion counties to collect items to help the many victims of Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle area.
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is opening two drop-off points Thursday for those who want to contribute items. Those will be located at the sheriff’s offices at 7361 Powell Road in Wildwood and at 250 E McCollum Ave. in Bushnell.
Donations will be received Thursday, Oct. 18 and Friday, Oct. 19 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The most-needed items are tarps, gas cans, coolers, generators and non-perishable food items. For more information, call Beth Hunt at (352) 571-0016 or Michelle Keszey at (352) 254-0446.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will start collecting needed items Wednesday. The supplies will be delivered to those in need as soon as possible.
Those donating are encouraged to consider such food items as water, bread, cereal, baby formula, canned foods that don’t require a can opener, saltine crackers, cat and dog food, and manual can openers.
Other needed supplies include paper towels, diapers, baby wipes, toiletry/hygiene items, toothbrushes and toothpaste, dry shampoo, hair brushes, deodorant, feminine products, shaving cream and razors, soap, wash cloths, five-gallon buckets, five-gallon plastic gas containers, chainsaw files and blades, two-cycle engine oil, plastic tarps, latex gloves, coolers, Sterno cooking fuel cans, blankets, pillows, air mattresses, and shoes and socks.
Those wishing to donate can bring the items during normal business hours to the Sheriff’s Office’s Operations Building at 360 West Ruby Street in Tavares.
In Marion County, the Board of County Commissioners and its constitutional officers are working together to help those in the hurricane-ravaged areas of northern Florida. Government offices, including fire stations, libraries, and three sheriff’s office locations (8311 N Hwy. 441, 9048 SW State Road 200 and 3260 SE 80th St.), will collect food and other goods through Thursday Oct. 25. Those donating are encouraged to bring non-perishable food, water, towels, personal hygiene products, laundry detergent, combs and brushes, paper products, plastic utensils and baby products.
Residents also can make monetary donations online at www.globalgiving.org by selecting the Hurricane Michael Relief Fund. Hill’s Mayflower is partnering with the county to transport donated items to the Panhandle and will also be a drop-off location at 416 NW Seventh St.
“Marion County has a long history of stepping up to help others in times of need,” said Kathy Bryant, chairman of the Marion County Commission. “Following Hurricane Michael, we have another opportunity to step up to help our fellow Floridians – any donation helps.”
