Jacksonville continues Hurricane Sandy relief efforts

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As relief efforts mount, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown is urging residents and employees to contribute specific non-perishable items to help the Northeast as it continues to recover from Hurricane Sandy.

To best address the current needs, FEMA and the Food Bank of New Jersey, which is handling the supply distribution for the New York/New Jersey area, are requesting certain items deemed most critical at this time.

Donors are encouraged to give the following targeted supplies:

• Pop-top, ready-to-eat foods (such as chili or toaster pastries)
  
• Granola bars, energy bars, cereal bars
• Meal replacement beverages (protein shakes)
  
• Baby needs (diapers, food, bottles, etc.)
• Personal Hygiene (feminine, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo)
• Paper products (toilet paper, napkins, plates, tissues)
  

On Monday, Brown announced the effort as a call to action engaging local schools and independent authorities to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Jacksonville-based BI-LO and Winn-Dixie will donate two tractor-trailers worth of non-perishable canned and bottled foods and supplies to support the recovery effort.

Collection bins are located at City Hall and the Ed Ball Building and were being delivered to Duval County Public Schools on Wednesday. Bins will also be at the city's Veterans Job Fair at the Prime Osborn Convention Center on Friday and at the annual Veterans Day Parade on Monday.

"I appreciate the support of our leaders in City Hall, the independent authorities, the Duval County Public Schools and BI-LO and Winn-Dixie," Brown said in a news release. "I call on our residents and employees to continue supporting this effort by dropping off donated items that best address needs in the Northeast during the next week."

The locations of bins along the Veterans Day Parade route are:

• Independent Drive at Hogan Street
  
• Independent Drive at Laura Street
• Bay Street in front of the former shipyards property
• Bay Street in front of former Duval County Courthouse
  

Bins will be available for donations through Tuesday. The collection efforts are also being supported at the offices of JEA, JaxPort, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and Jacksonville Aviation Authority, including these locations:

• Jacksonville Public Library -- Main Library, 303 N. Laura St., 32202
  
• JTA -- Rosa Parks/FSCJ Station, 201 W. Union St., 32202
• JEA -- Tower lobby, 21 W. Church St., 32202