Realities of Hurricane Ian’s destruction in Southwest Florida continue to come to light, as ABC News reports the state’s rising death toll standing at 102. The islands of Sanibel and Captiva have been deemed uninhabitable, with houses off their foundations and alligators and snakes roaming freely. Over 1900 stranded residents have been rescued from the barrier islands and other locations.
Partnering with a coalition of local churches operating from the campus of Skyline Church in Cape Coral, Somebody Cares has begun transporting and distributing badly needed supplies to meet these desperate needs. One truckload of groceries and water arrived Tuesday from SC Picayune/Resurrection Life Ministries, and a truck of cleaning supplies and beverages is en route from Midwest Food Bank. Our cook team is arrives today bringing smokers, a portable kitchen, and several hundred pounds of meat donations. SC Tampa Bay continues to receive donations in its warehouse and will deliver food and others items to churches in Venice and Fort Myers.
After a pastor shared that one of the unique challenges of this storm has been residents’ tires that have blown due to amount of debris in the neighborhoods. SCA was able to procure tire patch kits to help meet this need.
Your gift today of $50, $100, $500, or any amount will help us with immediate needs, including:
· Generators & gas cans
· Dehumidifers
· Power washers
· Bleach and other mold solutions
· Tarps
· Cleaning supplies
· Hygiene Items
· Depends & feminine hygiene products
· Non-perishable food items
· Mosquito & bug repellent
· Sunscreen
· Muck out tools such as shovels, buckets, hammers, crow bars, sledge hammers, contractor garbage bags, garbage cans on wheels, wheel barrows.
· Chainsaws
· Fans
· Work Gloves
· N95 masks for mold remediation
“Our hearts go out to the people of Southwest Florida and other locations that were hit by Ian,” Doug Stringer says. “We pray for the Church to rise as a beacon of hope as we help meet the vast amount of material, emotional, and spiritual needs in these communities.”
Please continue to pray for all those affected by the storm, especially local responders who have experienced loss of their own. Special thanks to SC Picayune/Resurrection Life Ministries, Midwest Food Bank, BloodNFire Muncie, Ally Force Minneapolis, Burnt Offerings, SC Tampa Bay, and each of you have contributed through prayer and finances.
Thank you for caring!
If you are in or near the Tampa Bay area and would like to donate any of the items listed above, you can deliver them to the SC Tampa Bay office located at 21903 US Hwy 19 North, Clearwater, FL 33765. Call (727) 536-2273 to confirm office hours.