- April 15, 2024
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Hurricane Irma may be gone, but there is still work to do.
Just ask the volunteers of Port Orange-based Foundation 37, which has partnered up with Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles, Pegasus Elite Aviation and the Van Nuys Airport Association for a collection drive to deliver needed items to the victims of hurricane-affected areas in Volusia County.
The drive ended on Monday, Oct. 9.
Coordinators have been asking for donations that include blankets, water, new socks and t-shirts, toys for small children, non-perishable canned goods and basic toiletry items. Once supplies have been collected, they will be transported on a plane donated by Pegasus Elite Aviation to Daytona Beach before being distributed.
"It's also very exciting to know so many organizations outside the state are stepping up to help in such a huge way."Foundation 37 President and Co-Founder Maria Mills-Benat
“It will take years to repair the damage Hurricane Irma left in Florida," Tim Prero, owner and operator of Pegasus Elite Aviation said in a press release. "The least we can do is help any way we can. Even a little will go a long way.”
Foundation 37 President and Co-Founder Maria Mills-Benat said one of her friends knew the person coordinating relief efforts from the airport and suggested they team up with the Port Orange organization. Now that they are working together, Mills-Benat said once the plane arrives not only will items be distributed throughout Volusia but another individual will be taking some donations to Puerto Rico. She added they are also planning to have another person take items to the Keys as well.
Locally, Mills-Benat said one need is replacing bedding and furniture.
"We've been helping a lot of people whose houses were flooded," Mills-Benat said. "When your stuff gets flooded and it gets moldy, you need everything replaced. We've been buying a lot of beds and bedding, especially for kids "
Since the hurricane, Foundation 37 volunteers have been working to supply people with food, clothes and house items they lost during the hurricane. The organization utilized the city’s Lakeside Community Center as a base to give these essential items to residents in and around Port Orange.
Mills-Benat said it is an exciting time now that help is coming from California.
"It's very humbling for somebody to think of such a small non-profit as us who can take on such a big project in these relief efforts," Mills-Benat said. "It's also very exciting to know so many organizations outside the state are stepping up to help in such a huge way."
For more information on how to become involved, contact the VNY Public and Community Relations office at 818-442-6526.
To stay updated with Foundation 37's efforts, facebook.com/FoundationThirtySeven/
