Flood Victims Thank Northern/central New York

State Senator Patty Ritchie released an email she received from a flood relief coordinator in the Schoharie Valley thanking residents of Northern and Central New York for their generous response to her call for donations for victims of Hurricane Irene.

In her message, relief coordinator Debi Christman said agencies had nearly run out of food and personal items that are so desperately needed by victims of the flooding that wiped out towns, farms and homes.

"You van could not have arrived at a more needed time," Christman wrote. "We're thrilled with the awesome donations contained in that van and assure you that your efforts will greatly benefit the flood victims."

Residents of Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence County donated hundreds of pounds of canned goods, diapers, formula, bottled water and personal items through Senator Ritchie's relief drive to help the affected region. All the items were stuffed into an oversized van earlier this week and delivered to a relief distribution center at the Carlise Fire Department in Schoharie County.

"I want to add my thanks too to the hundreds of people who helped out in this effort," Senator Ritchie said. "Our neighbors needed help, and you responded, and that's just one more reason we can all be proud to say we are from Northern and Central New York."

The full text of the victims' thank you message appears below.