Relief efforts for Hurricane Dorian victims in the Bahamas are being mounted in nearly every community around Lake Okeechobee and across South Florida.

Floridians are finding it only natural, not to mention a little heart-wrenching, to take the attitude of “There but for the grace of God go we.” It easily could have been us needing assistance to cope with day-to-day recovery and life after a catastropic hurricane, is what everyone is thinking.
But people in the island chain, some of whose islands either disappeared or are largely underwater for the foreseeable future, can’t use just anything people might have on hand to donate. There are specific needs, and here are some of those: cash, chain saws, cleaning supplies, extension cords, first aid kits, flashlights, gloves, generators, nonperishable food items only, personal hygiene items (including feminine hygiene products), food and other necessities for toddlers, tarps, toiletries, trash bags, water. Clothing items are not suggested at this time.

Here are some of the many drives and drop-off locations already established or being prepared for around South Florida:

IMMOKALEE - The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Chef Brian Roland and Venue Naples’ hurricane relief drive to collect much-needed supplies to aid the residents of The Bahamas in their post-Dorian recovery. Their Headquarters Administration building and substations are designated drop-off locations. The drive is currently scheduled through Sept. 6.

Here are the CCSO drop-off locations. They are accessible Monday through Friday during business hours:
Headquarters Administration (2nd floor, Duty Officer): 3319 Tamiami Trail E. – 239-252-0783
North Naples: 776 Vanderbilt Beach Road – 239-252-9100
Golden Gate: 4707 Golden Gate Parkway – 239-455-3121
Golden Gate Estates: 14750 Immokalee Road – 239-252-9250
Everglades: 13245 Tamiami Trail E., #100 – 239-252-9900
Immokalee: 112 South First Street, Immokalee – 239-252-9800

LABELLE — Salcal Pizza at 732 S Main St, LaBelle, FL 33935 is one drop off point in LaBelle. Two Peas Cafe, 870 W Hickpochee Ave #500, LaBelle, FL 33935 is another drop off point. “We have the best peeps! We have been getting calls and messages about what we will be doing for relief efforts for our friends in the Islands devastated by Dorian. These folks will be in need for a very long time to come. We will make sure they get in the right hands.