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Community Corner

Farmington Valley Rotary Clubs Join Forces to Aid Staten Island Victims of Hurricane Sandy

Farmington Valley Rotary Clubs Join Forces to Aid Staten Island Victims of Hurricane Sandy FARMINGTON (Nov. 26, 2012) – The three Rotary Clubs in the Farmington Valley are mounting a one-day collection of cash and much-needed tools, cleaning supplies and other materials to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy on Staten Island, N.Y. Between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, trucks will be parked in two different locations in Farmington and Avon, accepting tax deductible donations from the public. "We can’t help all the victims in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, but we can do our part to help the victims in one of the most heavily damaged areas – Staten Island," said Dr. Joanne Santiago of the Rotary Club of Avon-Canton, chairperson of the project by the three Rotary Clubs. "Watching film clips and seeing newspaper photos and stories about Staten Island, it’s clear that the devastation to homes and businesses is widespread. As Rotarians who are pledged to public service, this collection is the least we can do." In addition to the Rotary Club of Avon-Canton, the Rotary Club of Farmington, and the Rotary Club of Simsbury-Granby are organizing the collection event. Fallon Moving & Storage of Windsor, meanwhile, is donating the trucks that will be used to collect the supplies, then transport them to Staten Island. The trucks will be stationed in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Route 44 in Avon, and at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Route 6 in Farmington. Cash donations can be made by making a check payable to the Avon-Canton Rotary Community Fund, Inc., a tax deductible non-profit entity. The checks can be delivered in person at either collection site on Dec. 1, or by mailing them to the Avon-Canton Rotary Community Fund, P.O. Box 11, Avon, CT 06001. "We’ve learned from our counterparts at the Rotary Club of Staten Island that they aren’t looking for clothing, so please don’t clean out your closets," said Santiago. "All the donations must be in 100 percent excellent condition or new, meaning that we ask that you take care to make sure any perishable items do not have expired sell-by dates."
Materials that are needed by the victims include cleaning supplies like bleach, buckets, detergents, disposable and/or rubber gloves, mops and brooms, sponges, industrial cleaners scrub brushes and vinegar. NEEDED MATERIALS Also, construction materials and tools such as crow bars, chain saws, Saws-alls, wheelbarrows, disposable coveralls, contractor bags, shovels, dust masks, work gloves, sump pumps and hoses, tarps, plastic sheeting, batteries – AA/C/ and D, 2X4s, BX cable, dry wall tape, joint compound, generators and insulation. Also health and safety items like dehumidifiers, eye goggles, feminine products, first aid supplies, hand sanitizers, safety boots, toiletries, and wipes. Baby needs are also in demand, such as car seats, diapers, formula and baby wipes. Other miscellaneous needs include paper goods like plates, napkins, cups and plastic utensils; boots; sleeping bags; warm socks; phone cards; plastic shelving units; bubble wrap; packing tape; empty boxes; and school supplies. The three Farmington Valley clubs are part of Rotary International, a worldwide organization with 1.2 million members who work to help others through public service.

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