Suffolk PD Begins Relief Drive For Hurricane Victims In Puerto Rico

YAPHANK, NY — A relief drive to benefit the victims of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico is underway at Suffolk County police headquarters in Yaphank, as well as the seven precincts throughout the county, officials said Tuesday.

As part of the drive, collection bins will be placed in the lobbies of the buildings so that donations of toiletries, non-perishable foods, personal hygiene products, and baby products, including diapers, can be accepted.

The drive will run through Sept. 30 when they will be sent to Puerto Rico.

Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison noted that Hurricane Fiona made landfall overnight Monday, devastating the small island with high winds and flooding, and explained that as of Monday afternoon, hundreds of thousands of people were still without power on the island.

“Hurricane Fiona has left a wake of unimaginable destruction for the people of Puerto Rico, whose safety and wellbeing has been steadfastly on my mind since the news of the storm broke,” he said.

“It is my hope the residents of Suffolk County and the [Suffolk County Police Department] will come together to gather the necessary supplies to ease the burden of Puerto Ricans as they rebuild and recover.”

County Executive Steve Bellone said that "as Long Islanders, we know firsthand the devastation extreme weather can cause, and today my thoughts are with the people of Puerto Rico as the island deals with catastrophic flooding and a trail of unimaginable destruction from Hurricane Fiona."

"It's times like these that we must all come together, and through this supply drive we hope to help collect the necessary supplies to support those in need," he added.