Unfortunately, bad things happen.

Fortunately, when bad things happen people band together to offer help in any way they can.

That’s why teams from here in Tompkins County are in Houston even now to offer assistance and care for those affected by the disastrous flooding.  Thanks to all those good people and Godspeed.

If you would like to help, there are many ways to do so.

You can donate $10. to the Red Cross by texting “HARVEY” to 90999. The money will be billed through your service provider.  Or you can donate to the Salvation Army by texting “STORM” to 51555.

The United Way of Tompkins County also has a list of organizations that are seeking resources and how you can conact them.  In addition, they have posters distributed with a QR code that will allow you to donate to the Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund.  You can also click “donate now” at their website: United Way of Tompkins County

A truck is going to be heading to Houston as soon as it’s full and collections are being made all over Q Country this weekend.  I’m sharing the information here:

Locations and Collection Updates:

Friday September 8th:

Owego American Legion 9-1

Dryden Fire Department 3-8

Saturday September 9th:

Trumansburg HIgh School : 8-10am

Dewitt Middle School: 8-10am

Ithaca High School: 8-10am

Newfield School : 11-1

Lansing HIgh School: 11-1

Cornell Lot CC on North Campus: 10:30 -1

Dryden High School across from Poets Landing : 2-4

Groton High School: 2-4

Collection Items:

• Hand-held snack items (granola bars, peanut butter crackers, protein bars, etc.)
• Pop-top ready-to-eat items (canned meats, applesauce, vegetables, fruit cups)
• Shelf-stable pantry items (peanut butter, jelly, tuna, chili, beef stew and soup)
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, etc.)
• Cleaning supplies (bleach, buckets, garbage bags, paper towels, etc.)
• Bottled water
• Diapers

NOTE: CLOTHING DONATIONS ARE NO LONGER BEING ACCEPTED.

If you have any questions please contact either myself at 607-339-5517 or Kent KentandElaine Tryon at 607-206-7456.

Thank you to our community partners:

Cub Scouts, Cornell University, Dryden Central School District, Dryden Fire Department, Girl Scouts, Groton Central School District, Express Trailer Sales, Ithaca City School District ,KT Construction, Lansing Central School District, Newfield School District, Owego American Legion, Page Transportation, Trumansburg School District, Tryon’s Transfer and the United Way of Tompkins County

Add to that the collection happening in Watkins Glen.  A 17-year-old student has organized an amazing effort called “Finger Lakes Harvey Relief Donations”.  Residents there can bring donations to 3255 County Road 28 in Watkins Glen.

We hope you’ll do what you can.  No offer is too small that it can’t make a difference.