How Tolland Can Help Hurricane Sandy Victims

Updated: Friday, Nov. 9, 4:20 p.m.

The drop off hours have been extended for this program. Residents can drop off item until 10 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.

From the Tolland Emergency Management Department:

The Town of Tolland Emergency Management office would like to coordinate a community relief effort to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy in Connecticut’s shoreline towns. 

We know many people in the area may have ties to those that were affected by last week’s natural disaster may already be doing something on their own and others who would like to help but don’t know where to start.  In order to provide for the victims as best we can, we would like to propose a united collection effort that you can be certain is run by a legitimate agency and is current on requests for essential items.  Therefore we have again teamed up with the Salvation Army-Connecticut Chapter; this is the same chapter that we successfully worked with after the September 11th Twin Towers attacks in 2001. We will offer local collection points and the subsequent delivery of the donated goods to the devastated areas in Connecticut.  As many families begin to rebuild their lives and homes they are need of basic necessities.

The following is a list items provided by Salvation Army of items that are needed at this time.  Please be sure the items are new, unopened and have not expired.

• Non-perishable food items are always welcome.  As we are currently doing mass feedings, bulk items are encouraged.
• Family size/portioned non-perishables will be great as people begin to move back into their homes.
• Personal hygiene items - toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, feminine hygiene products, and laundry detergent in regular or trial sizes.
• Children's Items - diapers, baby food, fabric diapers, wipes, etc.
• Cleaners - bleach, disinfectants, disinfectant wipes, mops, shovels, sponges, etc.

 Clothing Needed – Items should be new or gently used and clean.

• Socks
• Undergarments
• Gloves - work gloves and winter gloves
• Outerwear - rain jackets, winter coats, etc
• Rain boots
• Work boots

Monetary Needs - Money is always appreciated.  If people wish to donate monetarily, a safe way they can is to visit the Salvation Army’s web-site at www.salvationarmyct.org.  Funds raised in Connecticut, will remain in Connecticut, unless donors designate another area impacted by the storm.  We would like to offer a word of caution if you choose to make a monetary donation, please be sure that you are dealing with a bona-fide relief effort organization.  Unfortunately, we are aware of a few scams that are preying on good-hearted people.  Remember; never give your credit card information to someone calling you on the telephone.

The collection will begin Thursday, November 8, 2012 and run through the next several days.  You may drop off items at the Tolland Fire Department Training Center, 191 Merrow Road, Fire Station 240, 3 Rhodes Road or Fire Station 140, 64 Crystal Lake Road in Tolland weekdays between 8:00AM and 4:00PM. There will be a collection box at the Tolland Big Y. All items collected will be delivered to the areas in Connecticut that were hardest hit. Your generosity and support is greatly appreciated.

Watch for updates on the Tolland Emergency Management web-site at www.tolland.org/government/departments/public-safety/emergency-preparedness