Habersham County collecting supplies for Dispatchers in Hardest-Hit Areas of Georgia
Habersham County, in conjunction with Georgia Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) is collecting supplies to be sent to some of the hardest-hit areas of Georgia. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Habersham County Emergency Management Agency/E-911 Director Lynn Smith. “The loss of lives and the devastation are unimaginable, and we extend our deepest sympathies. We are incredibly grateful to the men and women who continue to serve their communities, especially the Communications Officers who are still answering calls despite suffering personal losses.” Georgia APCO is coordinating supply deliveries to some of the 911 centers most affected in Georgia, including those in Augusta-Richmond County, Columbia County (Evans area), Burke County, and others. In Habersham County, donations may be dropped off at the Habersham County Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center, 120 Paul Franklin Road, Clarkesville, or to the Habersham County E-911 Center, 175 EOC Drive (off Chase Road), Cornelia. Collections will take place for about the next two weeks as those affected await power restoration and work to get their lives and homes back in order, and those who live in the cities also are welcome to donate. Donors may feel free to include cards or messages of support for the dispatchers who continue to work despite personal crises. Reminder that no clothes or linens are being accepted.
Items needed:
Food items
- Bottled / gallon water
- Shelf-stable milk
- Instant coffee / tea
- Non-perishable food (no heating required)
- Baby food and formula
- Disposable plates, bowls, utensils
Household items
- Dish soap
- Cleaning supplies (bleach and disinfectant spray are in high demand)
- Laundry detergent (powder or liquid, no pods)
- Trash bags
- Work and dish gloves
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Gallon Ziploc bags
- Buckets
- Batteries
- Flashlights / lanterns
- Matches / lighters
- Duct tape
- Tarps
- Rope
Personal care items
- Hand sanitizer
- First Aid supplies
- Dust / face masks
- Bar soap
- Toothbrushes / toothpaste
- Hand lotion
- Chapstick
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Baby wipes
- Diapers
- Feminine hygiene products
Pet supplies
- Dog / cat food (canned or dry)
- Dog / cat treats
- Cat litter
Those who prefer to donate monetarily, contributions can be made via Venmo to GA APCO at @georgiaAPCO or https://www.venmo.com/u/georgiaAPCO. The collection area at the Habersham County Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center is the activity room near the entrance to the swimming pools. All items must be received by 3pm on Saturday, October 12.