CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) – Elected officials from across the Charleston area announced Wednesday the donation program for Hurricane Sandy would be extended another week due to an outpouring of support.
"Those of us that remember Hugo and the help we got from around the country, it lifted our spirits," Mayor Joe Riley said.
Riley said his office has been inundated with people asking how they can help Sandy victims in the Northeast. In response, Riley partnered with leaders from across the Charleston area to launch a plan that would fulfill requests for assistance.
The first shipment will leave for the Northeast Monday, Riley said. Another is slated for Thursday.
Riley said he has been in touch with officials in Washington and New Jersey to see what items are most needed. Officials there said diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, batteries, flashlights, cleaning supplies and non-perishable foods were most needed.
"I guarantee you when all these supplies start coming in, it's going to many of them feel like someone cares," Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor said.
Clothing, however, was not needed.
Congressman Tim Scott is also working with Lowcountry leaders to identify sister cities with which to partner with in New York and New Jersey that need the most assistance.
"In the Northeast, those communities are reeling. Helping their community and charitable foundations coordinate and get involved, that will build community in those areas as well," said Coastal Community Foundation CEO George Stevens. Stevens also remembered how much Hugo helped the community come together in its aftermath.
There are dozens of locations to donate, including many Piggly Wiggly stores, EMS locations, fire departments across the Lowcountry, and the city halls of Charleston, North Charleston and Summerville.
ABCNews4 is also a drop-off location for goods. There will be a collection basket in the front lobby of the station.
"Give until it hurts," Pryor said.
What's needed?
Water
Non-perishable food
Toys and games
Batteries
Toiletries
Feminine hygiene products
Diapers, baby wipes and formula
Pet food and supplies
Empty NEW gas cans
Cleaning supplies with disinfectant
Where can you donate – in Charleston?
City Hall
Any City of Charleston fire station
Sundrops Montessori on Simmons Street
Talison Row Apartments: 480 Seven Farms Drive
Where can you donate – in North Charleston?
Weeks Law Firm on Rivers Avenue
City Hall
Charleston County EMS Headquarters on Bridgeview Drive
Stations 1, 3, 5, 6, and 11 of the North Charleston Fire Department
Ashley River Fire Department
Sylvana Oaks Apartments: 8439 Dorchester Road
Where can you donate – in Mt. Pleasant?
Agent Owned Realty on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard
ABC News 4 studios on Allbritton Boulevard
Weeks Law Firm locations on Queensborough Boulevard and Highway 17-A
Keller Williams on Bramson Court
Sundrops Montessori on Walt Miller Street
Medic 11 base for Charleston County EMS on Sweetgrass Basket Parkway
Central Square at Watermark: 1280 Appling Drive
Mt. Pleasant Fire Departments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7
Where can you donate – in Summerville?
Agent Owned Realty locations on North Main Street and Old Trolley Road
Weeks Law Firm on West Seventh North Street
Curves on Old Trolley Road
Dorchester County EMS on West Fifth North Street
Summerville Fire Department stations 1, 2, 3, and 4.
City Hall
Where can you donate – in West Ashley?
Agent Owned Realty on Savannah Highway
Weeks Law Firm on Orleans Road
Where can you donate – in Dorchester County?
Dorchester County EMS locations Medic 5, 7 and 14
Where can you donate – in Berkeley County?
Agent Owned Realty on Crowfield Boulevard and N. Highway 52
Weeks Law Firm on Crowfield Boulevard
Curves on N. Goose Creek Boulevard
Goose Creek Fire Department on Crowfield Boulevard
Curves in Hanahan on Yeamans Hall Road
Where can you donate – in IOP and Daniel Island?
Agent Owned Realty on Palm Boulevard on IOP
MedOne Lowcountry Transport on Daniel Island on Deanna Lane
Where can you donate – in Awendaw?
Fire stations 1, 2 and 4
(Source: Stacy Jacobson/WCIV)
Riley announces "Operation Southern Hospitality" (Source: Stacy Jacobson/WCIV)
