RITCHIE ANNOUNCES HURRICANE IRENE FLOOD RELIEF COLLECTION DRIVE

Basic items urgently needed; Photos of destruction; Send a personal message to victims

State Senator Patty Ritchie today announced a collection drive for victims of Hurricane Irene flooding that has devastated farms and entire communities in the Schoharie valley of New York.

“Several villages and rural communities in the Schoharie valley have been almost totally obliterated by the record floods that occurred in the wake of Hurricane Irene, and the situation is getting worse for many families as the rains continue, and more evacuation orders are issued,” said Senator Ritchie, who toured the devastated region earlier this week.

“Homes and farms have literally washed away, and the rebuilding, when it comes, will take many months. These communities will rebuild and recover, but families need our help now.

“Central and Northern New Yorkers are well known for our generosity and concern for our neighbors, and I’ve organized this collection drive to give more of us an opportunity to lend a helping hand,” Senator Ritchie said.

Most urgently needed items include:

            Diapers                                                Non-perishable food

Formula                                               Jar baby food

Baby wipes                                         Adult wipes

Personal hygiene items                        Cleaning supplies

New underwear                                  New socks

Over-the-counter medications              Bottled water

Senator Ritchie will deliver the donated items next week to her colleague, Sen. James Seward, who is coordinating the effort with local relief agencies in the flooded region.

Contributions may be dropped off at Senator Ritchie’s offices:

            Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington St., Watertown

Oswego County Building, 46 E. Bridge St., Oswego

Ogdensburg City Hall, 330 Ford St., Ogdensburg

Senator Ritchie has also created a webform for Central and Northern New Yorkers to send a message of concern to flooding victims. Photos of the flooding damage can be seen below.