Habersham County is joining forces with the Georgia Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) to collect essential supplies for Georgia communities grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Donations will be delivered to heavily impacted 911 centers across the state, including those in Augusta-Richmond County, Columbia County (Evans area), and Burke County.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene,” says Habersham County Emergency Management Agency / E-911 Director Lynn Smith, expressing sympathy for the loss of life and devastation. “We are incredibly grateful to the men and women who continue to serve their communities, especially the Communications Officers who are still answering calls despite suffering personal losses.”
Some of the essential supplies needed are bottled water, sports drinks, non-perishable foods and snacks, pet food, toiletries and diapers, first-aid kits, tarps, and cleaning supplies. Clothing and linens will not be accepted.
Residents of Habersham County and surrounding areas are invited to contribute supplies at two designated locations: the Habersham County E-911 Center, 175 EOC Drive (off Chase Road), Cornelia, and the Habersham County Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center, 120 Paul Franklin Road, Clarkesville. The collection area at the Aquatic Center is the activity room near the swimming pool entrance.
All items must be received by 3 p.m. Saturday, October 12. Donors are welcome to include cards or messages of encouragement for the dispatchers.
The needed supplies are listed below; you can click here to download the list. Those who prefer to donate monetarily may Venmo the Georgia Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (GA APCO) at @georgiaAPCO.
List of needed supplies:
Food items
• Bottled / gallon water
• Shelf-stable milk
• Instant coffee/tea
• Non-perishable food (no heating required)
• Baby food and formula
• Disposable plates, bowls, utensils
Household items
• Dish soap
• Cleaning supplies (bleach and disinfectant spray are in high demand)
• Laundry detergent (powder or liquid, no pods)
• Trash bags
• Work and dish gloves
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Gallon Ziploc bags
• Buckets
• Batteries
• Flashlights/lanterns
• Matches/lighters
• Duct tape
• Tarps
• Rope
Personal care items
• Hand sanitizer
• First Aid supplies
• Dust/face masks
• Bar soap
• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• Hand lotion
• Chapstick
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Baby wipes
• Diapers
• Feminine hygiene products
Pet supplies
• Dog/cat food (canned or dry)
• Dog/cat treats
• Cat litter
