Local efforts continue to help Harvey victims, including displaced animals

With still-fresh memories of the devastation wrought by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, local residents are mobilizing to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey, the massive storm that dropped record-setting rains and caused massive flooding, destroying an estimated 130,000 homes in Harris County, Texas, and leaving tens of thousands homeless.

Flanders Northampton Volunteer Ambulance and Island Harvest are collecting supplies at the ambulance headquarters on Flanders Road. See prior story.

Suffolk County legislators and the Suffolk County Lions Club are organizing a week-long food drive for the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted at the Riverhead County Center (Evans K. Griffing Building, 300 Center Drive, Riverside) during the Legislature’s general meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 6, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Donations are being accepted at the individual legislators’ offices from Sept. 5 through Sept. 12, including the office of Legislator Al Krupski at 423 Griffing Avenue, Suite 2, in
Riverhead.

“When Sandy hit Long Island, an endless stream of support and donations poured out from volunteers from across the country. We now want to aid Houston in that same spirit,” Suffolk Legislator Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory said. “During times like this, we must come together as Americans and support each other.”

Truth Community Church is in Flanders is collecting monetary donations.

“One hundred percent of all funds given will go directly towards helping those in need,” said Pastor Keith Indovino. “We are partnering with Convoy of Hope, a globally recognized disaster relief organization.”

Information on what Convoy of Hope is available here.

Donations can be made by text to 631-333-7273 or online at the church website.  Checks can be mailed to Truth Community Church at 46 Bell Avenue Flanders, NY 11901. All donations are tax-deductible.

Jamesport Fire Department collected about $6,000 in a boot drive on Main Road in Jamesport Saturday morning. See prior story.

Hundreds of shelter animals need homes

Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton is getting ready to receive its first group of about 15 dogs displaced by Hurricane Harvey.

Kent is a Northeast regional partner of Best Friends Animals Sanctuary and in conjunction with the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons many of the animals displaced by the Hurricane will be brought to safety.

The first wave of Texas rescues arrives on Tuesday. More animals will be coming as soon as space is available and so on and so on until as many animals as possible are rescued, Kent said.

The displaced animals will be given food, shelter and medical care in addition to being spayed or neutered and micro-chipped before going to their new homes, according to the shelter.

Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons sent three transport vehicles to Texas on Sept. 1.

ARF is working with rescue organizations in Texas to make room in already-overcrowded municipal shelters in areas hard-hit by the hurricane, to create shelter capacity for animals rescued from the floods and animals of evacuees.

ARF anticipates bringing back between 60 and 70 cats and dogs, depending on their sizes and needs. Once the animals are medically cleared, they will be available for adoption at the ARF Adoption Center, as well as partner shelters, including the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and the Kent Animal Shelter.

Kent is seeking donations to help with its efforts to rescue displaced animals from Texas. Donations can be made online or by mail to Kent Animal Shelter, 2259 River Road, Calverton, New York 11933.