GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – The Clay County Fairgrounds are keeping things #FloridaStrong as they partner with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to extend a hand toward hurricane relief for those suffering from Ian’s devastation in Southwest Florida.
The two organizations are hosting a supply drive to collect items to send down south.
The donation drive will begin Monday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. According to the Facebook announcement, the donations will benefit residents in areas such as Pine Island, Matlacha, Arcadia and Harlem Heights -- places that have reached out for assistance.
They are only accepting approved items listed on the flyer. Here are a few of the items the organizations are looking to collect. To view a complete item list, visit: www.facebook.com/claycountyfair.
“We’ve been in contact with our event and fair friends down south,” Tasha Hyder, the executive director for the Clay County Fair and RV Park, said. " Almost nobody down there has electricity and water right now, so that’s becoming a problem.”
Household Items:
- Air mattresses (gently used)
- Sheets
- Pillows
- Towels and washcloths
- Batteries
- Sleeping bags
Clean-up Items:
- Large heavy-duty trash bags and regular trash bags
- Gloves
- Dust masks
- Chainsaws
- Paper towels
- Bleach
Personal Items:
- Bottled and gallon water
- Gatorade
- Toothbrushes and tooth paste
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Body wipes
Animal Items:
- Dog and cat food
- doggy pee pads
- Bagged shavings
- Crates and carriers
- Cat litter
The drop-off location for donations is 2493 SR 16, Green Cove Springs on Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For mail deliveries use the following address:
Clay County Fair - Ian
2493 SR 16 W
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
You can also provide cash donations that will be used to buy supplies. Cash donations can be sent to the Venmo account: CLAYCOUNTYFAIR
Fairgrounds opens RV park
In an effort to support Southwest Florida residents affected by Ian’s wrath, the Clay County Fairgrounds opened its RV area Saturday to offer a place to stay for those rebuilding who have an RV.
In an announcement on Facebook, fairground officials said they have an RV park with restrooms, full hookups and a dog park.
“We will work with you and we have space. We have a very caring community that will do what they can for you,” the Facebook post reads.
Tasha Hyder, the executive director for the Clay County Fair and RV Park, said the fairgrounds is waiving some of the usual fees and will work individually with those coming from hurricane-impacted areas about how long they can stay.
The park had 50 spots available as of Saturday, Hyder said, adding that she was overwhelmed by the images from Southwest Florida and they just wanted to do what they could to help.
The RV park is a pet-friendly space that includes a 30 and 50 amp hook-up with water and sewer connection, a small dog park, dog washes, and Wi-Fi on site.
The RV park is located at 2511 SR 16 W, Green Cove Springs, 32043.
For more information, email info@claycountyfair.org or call 904-284-1615. To learn more about the RV park, go to www.claycountyfair.org.
Hyder also said to watch the Clay County Fair’s Facebook page for an announcement coming soon about a supply drive starting Monday for those in hard-hit areas of the state.