Red Cross Cannot Accept Clothing/Food Doantions

Volunteers at American Red Cross shelter at Robert Frost Middle School in Deer Park are pleading residents to donate their clothing and canned goods to other facilities, since the organization cannot accept the items.

According to volunteers at the Deer Park shelter, residents have been heading down to the schools with dozens of bags, only to be turned away.

Since items such as collections of food, used clothing, and shoes often must be cleaned, sorted, and repackaged, accepting the good would impede the resources of money, time, and personnel that are needed for other aspects of our relief operation such as providing shelter to residents in need. 

The best way to help Red Cross disaster victims is through a financial donation, which allows the organization to purchase exactly what is needed for the disaster relief operation.

"The community here is really tight knit. People want to help so badly, but the problem is that, if we get 100 coats, but have 102 people show up, two people are left without and that's not fair. As an organization, we have to make sure everyone is given exactly the same thing," volunteer Hollyanne Woloszyn said.

Allergies are another concern when it comes to donated food, she added.

As of late Sunday afternoon, more 108 people were checked into the Robert Frost shelter. Woloszyn said that more are expected tonight as temperatures cool down and those without heat seek a warm place to sleep.

Those looking to donate, can bring their items to the Deer Park Community Presbyterian Church at 1843 Deer Park Avenue in Deer Park on Tuesday, Nov. 6., from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Items needed are:
*Non Perishable Food Items
*Pet Food
*Baby Items (such as diapers, baby wipes and baby food)
*Blankets
*Clothing of all sizes
*Socks and Shoes
*Personal Hygiene Items (such as soap, shampoo and deodorant)
*Batteries
*Flashlights