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Donation Drive To Help Irma Victims Underway Through Bay County Sheriff's Office

Bay County Sheriff's Office

A donation drive is underway in Bay County to help the victims of Irma in Central and South Florida. 

The donation drive through the Bay County Sheriff’s office started Wednesday, and so far, spokeswoman Ruth Corley says it’s been a hit.                                              

“We have stacks and stacks of buckets and mops, paper towels, and toilet paper…food items,” she said. “We have a ton of food items by noon the very first day, we have already collected quite a bit. But, the trailer out in front is huge and we want to be able to pack it.”

Some suggested food items people can bring include canned foods and fruits, jars of peanut butter and jelly, and juice boxes.

“Baby wipes, diapers, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, wet wipes, garbage bags, flashlights, batteries, good old fashioned bleach does great,” Corley added. Those people have big needs now. Those people need to be able to take care of themselves and their families.”

Corley says everything is welcome, except clothing.

“No, we’re not taking clothing,” she continued. “We’re really not set up to take clothing. We have not been informed that clothing is something that the people in Central and South Florida are in great need of. It’s more food, water toiletry items, those types of things, garbage bags, and cleaning products.”

The Bay County Sheriff’s office wants people to bring any donated items to the main building lobby located on North Highway 77 in Panama City. They’ll be doing the drive for at least a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.