Legislators kick off drive to help Ida Victims

This is what America is about -- communities getting together and trying to help each other”

William Byrne, President of Rolling Thunder Inc., NY, Chapter 6

On Thursday, Sept. 9, Nassau County Legislators Steve Rhoads (L.D. 18) and Laura Schaefer (L.D. 14) announced a donation drive for victims of Hurricane Ida, not only in Louisiana, but also in Pennsylvania and the tri-state area.

The two legislators made the announcement with Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy at a news conference convened in the Freeport Firehouse at 15 Broadway, which houses Emergency Company No. 9, Engine Company No. 1, and Hose Company No. 2.

Present at the conference were Bill Byrne of Rolling Thunder Chapter 6, Ben Jackson, owner of Ben’s General Contracting Corp. in Freeport, and representatives of the Salvation Army of Freeport.

“Just 9 years ago,” said Kennedy. “Freeport was on the receiving end of accepting donations and truckloads of nonperishable food, blankets, and hygienic products to pass out to our residents. This was caused by Superstorm Sandy.” He encouraged Freeport residents to give back to those impacted by Hurricane Ida.

“In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy,” said Rhoads, “people from across the country were there to support us in our time of need and we want to make sure we’re there to support [the victims of Ida] in theirs.”

The conference included brief statements from Congressman Garrett Graves, who represents District 6 in Baton Rouge, and Minister Charmain Baker Fox from the Israelite Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. Both described the plight of citizens who had no clean water and whose homes and possessions had been ruined by the hurricane.

Rhoads listed items needed: bottled water, nonperishable items, baby formula, baby foods, children’s snacks, pet food, any kind of beef jerky, handheld can openers, school supplies, pots and pans, cleaning supplies, card and board games, coloring books and crayons, socks and underwear, backpacks, plastic utensils, personal care products such as toothpaste, toothbrush, soap and body wash, shampoo and conditioner, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, liquid laundry detergent, mosquito spray (particularly in Louisiana), sunscreen, baby wipes, and toilet paper.

The items can be dropped off at several locations:

---Merrick Fire Department Empire Hose Company ( 2300 Merrick Ave, Merrick) Weekends 9-5

---Freeport Engine Company #2 (15 Broadway, Freeport) - Weekends 9-5

---Ben's General Contracting (19 Suffolk St, Freeport) Weekdays 7-4

---Salvation Army of freeport (66 Church St, Freeport) Monday-Saturday 9-5

---Village Hall in Freeport (46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport) Weekdays 9-5

---County Legislature Building in Mineola (1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola) Weekdays 9-5

“This is what America is about -- communities getting together and trying to help each other,” said Bill Byrne.

“No matter what people are doing in their life, they do stop and come together and think about others,” said Schaefer. “That’s what I love about Nassau County “

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