Clay County Fairgrounds supply drive collects $20,000, 35,000 items; Truck convoy heads to Southwest Florida Wednesday

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The Clay County Fairgrounds said it collected more than 35,000 items, 7,500 pounds of animal food, 300 bales of hay and $20,000 — all of which took off to Southwest Florida Wednesday to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian.

A convoy of truck drivers left the fairgrounds around 6 a.m. They are heading to areas including Pine Island, Punta Gorda, and Cape Coral.

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News4JAX spoke to the Executive director of the Clay County Fair. She said she was overwhelmed by the response.

“I’m not an emotional person, it takes a lot,” Tasha Hyder said. “But I’ve had some tears this week.”

Hyder thanked everyone who donated to the cause. The trucks are expected to arrive in Southwest Florida Wednesday afternoon.