Town Of Hempstead Collecting Goods To Support Earthquake Victims

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD — To help the victims of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, the Town of Hempstead has started a collection drive to provide much-needed support.

The town has set up collection bins at five of its facilities, and is urging residents to drop off supplies. Local organizations will also be joining the relief effort.

“America’s largest township has proven time and time again that it is also known as America’s most generous township,” said Town Supervisor Don Clavin. “The results from the earthquakes and aftershocks that hit Turkey and Syria are heart-wrenching. The Town Board and I agreed that we must do what we can to assist the people of Turkey and Syria. We’ve secured transportation to the region and will send anything and everything we can to help those in need.”

Earlier this month, a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake erupted in southeast Turkey and
northwest Syria, killing more than 47,000 people and destroying hundreds of thousands of homes. With more than a million victims losing their homes, the countries were struck with dozens of aftershocks and most recently a 6.3-magnitude quake that continues to add to the displacement and devastation of the region.

Starting Feb. 25 and continuing into March, Earthquake Relief Collection boxes will be stationed at the following locations:

• Hempstead Town Hall (1 Washington St., Hempstead)
• Old Town Hall (350 Front St., Hempstead)
• Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Office (200 North Franklin St., Hempstead)
• Echo Park (399 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead)
• Levittown Hall (201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville)

Items that can be donated include non-perishable food, sleeping bags, blankets, hats, gloves, baby food, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, baby formula, baby wipes, diapers, first aid products and hand warmers.

Chinese Center of Long Island, Long Island Diversity Council, Millennium Honda and Long Island Caring Hearts.

Residents interested in donating money are encouraged to donate directly to the relief effort through trusted organizations such as Syrian American Medical Society, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, Plan International Inc. and Direct Relief.