Councilwoman Judy Waldman is organizing a drive to collect donations for the Northeast area that was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The City of Homestead has partnered with northAmerican Van Lines, Homestead Transfer and Storage and the Homestead-Miami Speedway to support our neighbors to the North. Beginning on Wednesday, November 14th a 53 foot trailer, donated by northAmerican Van Lines, Inc., will be located in the parking lot of Homestead City Hall, 790 N. Homestead Blvd. Donations will be received from Monday through Friday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, Saturdays from 11:00am to 5:00pm and Sundays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Donations will be accepted until the trailer is filled, at which time they will be delivered to distribution points in the Northeast.
A survivor of Hurricane Andrew herself, Councilwoman Waldman knows the importance of offering help to those who have lost everything in a tragedy. Twenty years ago, the City of Homestead experienced devastation as Hurricane Andrew swept through hundreds of homes and businesses on August 24, 1992. The kindness that people showed towards one another and willingness to help strangers overcome this disaster left a lasting impression on the Councilwoman. Waldman, as most in Homestead, subsisted for months from donations from strangers from all over the United States. She founded the Kindness Awards during Andrew’s 10th Anniversary, as a way to recognize acts of kindness in times of need. Today she asks the Homestead community to pay it forward by giving back to our friends in their time of need.
“This community knows all too well what it feels like to have a hurricane create such devastation, it is imperative we come together to help those affected in New York and New Jersey,” said Councilwoman Judy Waldman. “Homestead was forever changed by Hurricane Andrew and is still recognized for having survived this catastrophic event. We just celebrated our 20th anniversary and the recovery of our community so we must support our fellow Americans in their time of need, as was overwhelmingly done for our community during our darkest hour.”
Donations items most needed are winter clothing such as coats, sweaters, scarves, hats and gloves, for men, women, children and infants. Blankets and overthrows are needed. Diapers, wipes, formula, baby food and all types of child care items. Non perishable food items such as canned goods, powdered milk and soups are needed as well. Generators and flashlights are also being accepted.
Volunteers are needed to help collect donations and pack the trailer at City Hall. Please bring your donations and sign up to be a part of this effort. To volunteer or for more information please contact 305-224-4454.
