Allegiant, Airport To Host Food Drive For Hurricane Refugees

CLEARWATER, FL – While Hurricane Maria evacuees begin arriving in Florida from Puerto Rico, some are finding it hard to ask for help.

“Last month, I was a professional with a good job,” an evacuee said to staff at Clearwater’s Hispanic Outreach Center. “Starting over is new to me. I find it very hard to ask for help.”

With thousands of Puerto Rican families evacuating the island, the St. Pete-Clearwater International and Allegiant will host a food and supply drive on Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the airport, 14700 Terminal Blvd., Clearwater. The Hispanic Outreach Center then will distribute the supplies at centers throughout Pinellas County for hurricane victims.

“It is heartbreaking for Puerto Rican people arriving here,” said Hispanic Outreach Center Executive Director Sandra Lyth said. “They are grieving and exhausted. They need help to get back on their feet. They need more than a list of places to go. They need individual assistance. They have lost everything. It’s so hard to start from zero when you have children and need housing and there is so little available.”

Following the drive, the airport will host the Honor Flight of West Central Florida’s Welcome Home Reception for 77 World War II, Korean and Vietnam era veterans. The veterans will be returning from a daylong visit to Washington, D.C., to visit war memorials.

“We know how fortunate we are in Tampa Bay to escape the devastation that Hurricane Maria brought to Puerto Rican families,” said airport Director Tom Jewsbury. “We want to welcome these (evacuees) to Pinellas and provide basic needs to help. We thank Allegiant for their partnership and support, and encourage members of the community to join in and supporting evacuees with donated supplies, and staying to thank our veterans.”

The following items are needed to distribute to evacuees:

• Non-perishable food
• Toiletries/Hygiene (soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, lotion, toilet paper, adult wipes, adult diapers, feminine products)
• Infants (diapers, wipes, formula, toys)
• Children (school supplies, backpacks, toys)
• Sheets, blankets, towels, wash cloths, pillows, air mattresses

“Our team is proud to partner with St. Pete-Clearwater International and the entire community in helping those in need with necessities as they arrive in Florida seeking to rebuild their lives,” said Hilarie Grey, the director of corporate communications for Allegiant. “By addressing even small personal needs, together we can make their paths to normalcy just a little easier.”

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