Town of Hempstead collects items for earthquake relief

Members of the Turkish and Syrian communities joined with officials from the Town of Hempstead to kick off a drive to collect supplies to help with earthquake disaster relief.

In the wake of a series of devastating temblors that has rocked the nations of Turkey and Syria, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board are kicking off a collection drive to provide support for the hundreds of thousands of people affected by this disaster. Organized through the town’s Department of Community Affairs, collection bins have been stationed at town facilities and residents are encouraged to drop-off donation supplies to these locations. Additionally, local organizations will be contributing to the relief effort as well. Joining Supervisor Clavin in the announcement were Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Councilman Thomas Muscarella, Councilman Chris Carini, Councilwoman Melissa Miller, Town Clerk Kate Murray, Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll and Sadri Altinok President of the Turkish Cultural Center Long Island.

“America’s largest township has proven time and time again that it is also known as America’s most generous township,” said 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, causing a frightening death toll of 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 on Saturday, February 25th 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 Pkwy, Hicksville)

In addition to the collection boxes, the following organizations have donated supplies to the collection effort: Turkish Cultural Center Long Island, Long Island Ladies Circle, Sufi Center, Chinese Center of Long Island, Long Island Diversity Council, Millennium Honda, Long Island Caring Hearts.

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

Residents interested in monetary donations 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.