County Collects 5,500 Pounds Of Supplies For Hurricane Victims

About 5,500 pounds of supplies were collected for victims of Hurricane Maria during a recent collection drive in Burlington County, officials announced. Residents donated unopened first aid items, toiletries, bottled water, nonperishable food, and other critical items most needed in Puerto Rico during the drive that lasted from Oct. 12-27.

Collection boxes and informational flyers were posted at the County Administration Building in Mount Holly, the County Human Services, Health, Public Safety, and Library Buildings in Westampton, Cinnaminson Library, Evesham Library, Maple Shade Library, Lumberton Township Municipal Building, and the Eighth Legislative District Office in Medford. The items were delivered to state officials, who will transport them to Puerto Rico, this week.

“The people of Puerto Rico need our help and our residents responded with overwhelming support. I was in awe to see overflowing collection boxes. These supplies will help save the lives of our fellow citizens,” Burlington County Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio said. “I cannot thank our community enough for their generosity. I am proud to represent a county who does so much for those who desperately need it.”

The county partnered with the State of New Jersey and its Office of Emergency Management, the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development and the Governor’s Office of Volunteerism for this drive. The Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development is led by Westampton Township Deputy Mayor Abraham Lopez, who has been to Puerto Rico on many occasions.

“As someone who has family who reside on the island, I’ve heard about and seen firsthand the damage Hurricane Maria caused,” Lopez said. “I am so appreciative to have worked with the Freeholders on this lifesaving initiative and am proud to be a resident of a county that stands with those who need us most.”

“Deputy Mayor Lopez should be commended for all of the hard work he and his office are doing on behalf of those affected by Hurricane Maria,” Garganio said. “Burlington County works best when we all come together to support and care for one another.”

The attached image was provided by Burlington County officials