County Extends Hurricane Harvey Donation Drive

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Hurricane Harvey relief efforts by Oakland County have been extended through Saturday. Supplies can be dropped off through 2 p.m. in the parking lot behind the North Office Building (Building 26 East) on the county government campus on Telegraph Road.

Clean-up, hygiene, child care and pet care items are of particular need, according to Oakland County officials. Food, water and clothing, except for new socks, new underwear, and new flip-flops, are not being accepted by the county.

“Those who have donated so far seem genuinely heartened by our effort, so we want to extend the collection an extra day especially for those who were unable to make it out during the work week,” said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. “Oakland County cares about the hurricane victims in the Houston area.”

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Donation are collected from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and between 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday. Go to OakGov.com/OaklandCares for a complete list of much needed items to donate and a map to the drop-off location.

Deputy County Executive Phil Bertolini, whose brother retired earlier this year from the Houston Police Department, is coordinating the county’s relief effort.

“My brother John told me he was honored and humbled by the outpouring of support from Oakland County,” Bertolini said.

He said southeast Michigan companies have stepped up to help Oakland County with its supply drive, including Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, Home Depot in Pontiac, Lowe’s stores in White Lake and Bloomfield townships, PVS Chemicals, Inc., and Soave Enterprises. Oakland County will hit the road to deliver donated supplies the week of Sept. 18 and deliver them to a staging area designated by Texas emergency management officials.

Meanwhile, Congress is working on a $15 billion relief package for Hurricane Harvey victims, according to a Detroit News report. A total of $7.4 billion was added by Congress to President Donald Trump’s initial $7.4 billion request.

Photo by Erich Schlegel / Stringer / Getty Images News / Getty Images