Relief efforts for Hurricane Dorian victims in the Bahamas are being mounted in nearly every community around Lake Okeechobee and across South Florida.

Floridians are finding it only natural, not to mention a little heart-wrenching, to take the attitude of “There but for the grace of God go we.” It easily could have been us needing assistance to cope with day-to-day recovery and life after a catastropic hurricane, is what everyone is thinking.
But people in the island chain, some of whose islands either disappeared or are largely underwater for the foreseeable future, can’t use just anything people might have on hand to donate. There are specific needs, and here are some of those: cash, chain saws, cleaning supplies, extension cords, first aid kits, flashlights, gloves, generators, nonperishable food items only, personal hygiene items (including feminine hygiene products), food and other necessities for toddlers, tarps, toiletries, trash bags, water. Clothing items are not suggested at this time.

Here are some of the many drives and drop-off locations already established or being prepared for around South Florida:

LABELLE — Hendry Regional Convenient Care Center, 450 S Main St #2, LaBelle, FL 33935 is one drop off point in LaBelle. Another is Salcal Pizza at 732 S Main St, LaBelle, FL 33935. Two Peas Cafe, 870 W Hickpochee Ave #500, LaBelle, FL 33935 is a third drop off point. “We have the best peeps! We have been getting calls and messages about what we will be doing for relief efforts for our friends in the Islands devastated by Dorian. These folks will be in need for a very long time to come. We will make sure they get in the right hands.