JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hurricane season is here and to help Jacksonville residents prepare, two organizations held a supplies giveaway Saturday morning at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds.
Farm Share and Global Empowerment Mission partnered up to get 4,000 families across five locations in the state the supplies they need to ride out a storm.
“We just want to make sure everyone has at least the basics,” GEM Director of Global Warehousing said. “Food and water can opener for them to be ready if something does happen.”
While the event was scheduled to start at 9 a.m., Jacksonville residents started lining up as early as 6:30 a.m.
Lorraine Jones, who has lived in Jacksonville for four years, said the early wake up was worth it.
“I don’t know what area it’s going to be at,” Jones said. “But I’m prepared just in case it’s going to be at my area.”
Some even made it a family affair.
“We’re trying to make sure we stay safe,” 13-year-old Ronald Youmans said from the backseat of a full car.
Families received all the items needed to be well-prepared for a powerful storm including non-perishable foods, a can opener, water, socks, toiletries, bug spray, and more.
“It takes a village and everyone pulling together within the state,” Farm Share Director of Donor Relations Wendy Freedman said. “It’s very endearing to see when neighbors are helping neighbors.”
Staff with Farm Share and Global Empowerment Mission are already in South Florida to help those impacted by the recent storms.
They also hope to schedule at least three more giveaway events in various locations around Florida.
Click here for information on how you can volunteer or donate supplies.