Before ...
... and after
When Hurricane Irma blew into
Florida late last summer, it left
behind more damage and destruction
than many could imagine ... unless they
were staring it right in the face. Some inland
communities were faced with 80 to 90 percent
of the crops that were once their livelihood destroyed,
“We appreciate the donations of clothing for our students at
Memorial Elementary School in Arcadia, FL. They were extremely grateful
for the new clothes. Some said the sweatshirts were the most
comfortable they have ever worn! The proof is in their smiles!”
- The staff of Memorial Elementary School
and many also lost everything.
Some very generous donors from the island
who were identified as “The Community of
Boca Grande” put together more than $16,700
in donations and purchased $25,000 worth of
school necessities, including 2,708 ar ticles
of clothing, 144 pairs of socks and 112 backpacks
for children who were just about to launch into
a new school year at the same time Hurricane
Irma hit.
Boca Grande Fire Chief C.W. Blosser,
islanders Mark Spurgeon and Mary O’Bannon
delivered the clothing to Immokalee, Arcadia,
Labelle, Clewiston and Moore Haven.
Spurgeon also collected several thousand
dollars to make hygiene kits for the children.
The kids found their own unique ways to say
“thank you” to the kind people of our island
who made this all happen. Their responses are
worth their weight in gold.
Many thanks to those that assisted in the collection,
and to everyone who made this project
so successful.
By Marcy Shortuse
The children of Arcadia
express their gratitude for
the assistance ...