A coalition of area churches, community organizations and residents led by the Spring Valley Community Alliance opened a site at Spring Valley Community Church on Saturday to collect and distribute donations for those affected by the January floods.
While the waters receded quickly, more than 200 Spring Valley homes were left damaged. Cars, furniture, appliances and other belongings were left severely damaged or destroyed.
“Many Spring Valley residents were left with the clothes on their backs and the items they could grab as they attempted to escape the rising waters,” said Chris Pierce, vice president of the Spring Valley Community Alliance. “There are physical needs that our neighbors have beyond what the County Resource Center set up at the Spring Valley Library could provide.”
The donation site located at 3310 Bancroft Drive, opened Saturday from 10 a.m. to Noon. The site’s regular hours will be Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to Noon.
Organizers are asking for donations of bedding, blankets, towels and washcloths, kitchen items — like new dishes, pots and pans, coffee makers — personal care and hygiene items, baby products and cleaning supplies.
The donation site will run until April 15 or when all items are distributed. Remaining items will be donated to La Mesa Spring Valley Educational Foundations C.A.S.A. program and other Spring Valley charities or thrift stores.
–City News Service
