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St.Pete-Clearwater airport hosts supply drive for hurricane refugees

Posted at 4:37 PM, Oct 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-24 16:37:16-04

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Allegiant Air are hosting a food and supply drive at the airport on Tuesday for hurricane refugees.

The supplies will go to the Hispanic Outreach Centers in Pinellas County where families are going seeking help. 

Andrea Vendetti with the center spent her morning helping direct a family that just arrived from Puerto Rico two days ago and they can't access their medications here in the state. 

Vendetti tells us the family tried to get a prescription filled at a pharmacy in the states, but they could not because it was written in Puerto Rico.

After multiple phone calls, Vendetti was able to direct the family to a clinic not far from their Clearwater location. 

The Hispanic Outreach Center (HON) plans to distribute the supplies at centers throughout Pinellas and numerous organizations. 

Executive Director Sandra Lyth said it's heartbreaking for Puerto Ricans arriving here, "they are grieving and exhausted," she said, "they need help to get back on their feet."

HON has been hosting workshops for families on Thursday evening with different agencies to help families get back on their feet.

For more information you can contact the center at 727-445-9734.

The donation drive on Tuesday, October 24 will be from 5 .p.m to 8 p.m. at 14700 Terminal Blvd, Clearwater.

They are asking for new items only:

  • Non-perishable food
  • Toiletries/Hygiene products
  • Infants -- diapers, wipes, formula, toys
  • Children -- school supplies, backpacks, toys
  • Sheets, blankets, Towels/wash clothes, Pillows, Mattresses