NEENAH, Wis. — George Beattie got off work Wednesday morning and took a load of products to the Pick ’N Save in Neenah.
What You Need To Know
- A one-day drive in Neenah collected neccessities for Hurricane Ian victims
- The goods are bound for the Fort Myers Police Department for further distribution
- Donors said every little bit helps
He was dropping off items that were being collected to help Hurricane Ian victims.
“Some water, cleaning supplies, deodorant, soap, stuff like that,” the Winneconne resident said. “I have family down in Florida in Port Charlotte, so this was the best way I could help out without going down there.”
Beattie donated the items to a one-day community collection by the Neenah Police Department, M&N Transfer, Pick ’N Save and Roto Graphic Printing Inc.
Their goal was to get necessary supplies to people in Florida.
Beattie said it felt good to help from 1,500 miles away.
“There are people in need down there and every little bit helps,” he said.
Neenah Police Department Assistant Chief Jeff Bernice said the donated items are bound for the Fort Myers Police Department, where they will then be distributed to the community.
“We’re trying to provide these necessary supplies to our colleagues and our fellow communities in Florida to help them survive this tragic event,” he said.
Bernice worked with the Florida department for 21 years. He said he’s lived through the realities of a hurricane.
“When it hits, it’s devastating. From the storm surge, from the wind gusts, from everything that’s affected. Basically, you’re starting over from scratch,” he said. “Even a cup of coffee in the morning is a meaningful event.”
Both Bernice and Beattie said they hope the donations send a message of hope to the people on the receiving end.
“Everyone cares about them, even from across Wisconsin and the country,” Beattie said. “Everyone is here to help them out.”