Suggestions on how an individual or business can donate dollars and supplies for storm recovery
efforts:
In the wake of Tropical Storm Debby and the significant flooding of this week, there has been an outpouring of support, both In terms of monetary donations and that of supplies by a variety of community-based
charitable groups such as the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Florida Gateway Food Bank and United Way of Suwannee Valley. In addition businesses and organizations like Wal-Mart, Target, Feeding America and the Florida Association of Food Banks have donated significant amounts of items such as
bottled water, mosquito spray, food, sanitary supplies and much more.
In addition, the Columbia County Emergency Management Department has been contacted by a large number of both individuals and businesses about plans to provide financial support and donations of supplies to support local families affected by flooding in the area. Many of those seeking to provide assistance have asked about the best method to make donations. The truth is that there is no bad way for our residents and businesses to generously help their neighbors if it ends up helping residents begin the process of recovering from the storm.
The social services assistance provided to those affected by flooding resulting from Tropical Storm Debby is a collaborative effort among community agencies. For those community members and local businesses wishing to contribute toward the recovery effort, following is information on how to support those community agencies assisting affected households. Listed below are some of the organizations you might consider working through for both financial donations and that of food stock and items such as diapers, etc.
American Red Cross, North Central Florida Chapter, donate
via www.redcross.org (site allows donors to contribute to specific
area or national efforts), or through the local chapter headquarters, 1425 NW
6th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601. Phone 352-376-4669.
Catholic Charities, Lake City Regional Office, 258 Northwest Burk Avenue, Lake City, FL 32055. Phone
386-754-9180.
Florida Gateway Food Bank, 553 NW Railroad Street, Lake
City, FL 32055. Phone 386-755-5683.
United Way of Suwannee Valley, donate via www.UnitedWaySuwanneeValley.org or to 325 NE Hernando Ave.,
Lake City, FL 32055. Phone 386-752-5604.
It should also be noted that all donations, regardless of type, will stay in Columbia County and used to benefit local families.
