When a natural disaster strikes, it takes a toll on our minds and hearts, even when we’re not directly impacted. But when the disaster hits close to home, the devastation can prove to be challenging, but can also inspire action.
When her daughter and family were hit in by Hurricane Laura last month, Watson Putnam office agent Ruby Sepulveda was beyond grateful to have a home for them to take refuge and that they were safe and unharmed. But their home was directly impacted by the flooding and is currently not safe for her family to return.
The aftermath of Hurricane Laura has left thousands without power, clouds of mosquitoes killing livestock, and homes and businesses destroyed in its wake. Sepulveda and her daughter Lauren Sainz along with Lauren’s husband Alex are going to be using this opportunity to travel back and forth from Sepulveda’s home in Florida back to their city to deliver supplies collected by the Putnam office to victims in need.
“Folks have been without power now for almost two weeks and power could take up to three more weeks before being restored in my community,” said Sainz. “Even when power is restored, our community will still have a long road ahead to repair homes, businesses, and schools,” said Sainz.
When her daughter and family were hit in by Hurricane Laura last month, Watson Putnam office agent Ruby Sepulveda was beyond grateful to have a home for them to take refuge and that they were safe and unharmed. But their home was directly impacted by the flooding and is currently not safe for her family to return.
The aftermath of Hurricane Laura has left thousands without power, clouds of mosquitoes killing livestock, and homes and businesses destroyed in its wake. Sepulveda and her daughter Lauren Sainz along with Lauren’s husband Alex are going to be using this opportunity to travel back and forth from Sepulveda’s home in Florida back to their city to deliver supplies collected by the Putnam office to victims in need.
“Folks have been without power now for almost two weeks and power could take up to three more weeks before being restored in my community,” said Sainz. “Even when power is restored, our community will still have a long road ahead to repair homes, businesses, and schools,” said Sainz.
Photo:
(Left) Supplies collected in the Watson Putnam office. (Right) Lauren and Alex
along with their children as they evacuate to safety.
Supplies needed include:
- Oil for generators (SAE30 or synthetic 5w30)
- Diapers
- Cleaning products
- Trash bags
- Advil/Tylenol
- Allergy medicine (Zyrtec, Allegra, Flonase, nasal spray, etc.)
- *A lot of clothes pins and line (to dry clothes outside)
- Gatorade mix (the area has plenty of bottled water being brought in)
- Toiletries
- *Lots of bug spray/deterrent
- Batteries
- Lighters
- Matches
- Household items
- Clothes
- Baby wipes/items
If you would like to donate to this important cause, please drop off at the Watson Putnam office in East Palatka.
A big thank you to all who have helped so far and to those who are actively donating. Keep all families affected by Hurricane Laura in your thoughts.
A big thank you to all who have helped so far and to those who are actively donating. Keep all families affected by Hurricane Laura in your thoughts.