SAN DIEGO — County Chairwoman Nora Vargas is encouraging San Diegans who want to help people and families impacted by last week’s devastating storms to participate in a “Day of Service” on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
Nine separate community groups are joining with County representatives at three locations to collect much-needed donations. The public can help in a few ways.
They can sign up to help in person to collect and sort donations and put together kits to distribute to flood survivors. They can drop off donations to help people and families recovering from the rains and floods―items ranging from rain boots, towels, and plastic storage bins to laundry detergent, bottled water, diapers and pet food.
All donated items should be new and unused. See the full list of needed items below.
In addition to the Day of Service, people can also support rain and flood victims by making financial donations to the flood response fund that County and San Diego Foundation created. The foundation will match donations up to $100,000.
The community groups working with the County include Pillars of the Community; the Jackie Robinson YMCA; The Positive Movement Foundation; the Hip Hop Health and Wellness 5K and Festival; the Harvey Family Foundation; the Urban Collaborative Project; the Emo Brown Foundation; the Sherman Heights Community Center; and Exhaling Justice.
Four community sites will accept donations Wednesday, Jan 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- The Jackie Robinson Family YMCA
151 YMCA Way
San Diego, CA 92102 - Sherman Heights Community Center
2258 Island Ave.
San Diego, CA. 92102 - National City Family Resource Center
401 Mile of Cars Way
National City, CA. 91950 - County Local Assistance Center, Spring Valley County Library
836 Kempton St.
Spring Valley, CA., 91977
Jan. 31 was scheduled to be the day Vargas delivered her second State of the County address. But after last week’s devastating rains and flooding, Vargas put it on hold indefinitely and called for a day of service, where organizations and the public can help those whose homes and lives were damaged.
“I’m asking all of you to help us and give your time to our day of service,” Vargas said. “We need to do what we do best as San Diegans. And that is to come together to really help each other during a very difficult time. When communities are in need, San Diegans show up for each other – that’s just who we are.
Vargas said she would reschedule the annual State of the County speech that provides updates on the County’s priorities for 2024.
For now, as Vargas, community groups and the County help those who lost homes, property and possessions, they also reminded the public that more rain is expected and people need to continue to prepare.
Here’s a complete list of items officials hope can be donated to help those in need.
Bedding
- Inflatable mattresses
- Pillows
Cleaning Materials
- Bleach
- Latex gloves
- Trash containers
- Garden gloves
- Lysol wipes
- Aerosol spray
- Laundry detergent
- Laundry services
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Scrubbers, sponges
- Dish detergent
Clothing
- Diabetic Socks
- Sports bras
- Underwear (men, women, and children)
Equipment
- Plastic storage bins
- Power washers
- Wet/dry vacs
- Shovels
- Sandbags with sand
- Blower fans
- Air purifiers
- Construction materials
- Heavy duty storage
Food and nutrition
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Baby formula
- Nepro shakes (Ensure)
Household items
- Blankets
- Towels
- Linens
- Plastic fold up chairs
- Storage bins
Personal hygiene
- Diapers (Child & Adult)
- Toiletries
- Tampons
- Sanitary pads
- Hand sanitizer
Pet supplies
- Dog food, cat food
Work gear
- White personal protective equipment suits
- Rain boots