Firefighters Bring Flurry of Donations to Hurricane Victims

The Monroe Volunteer Fire Department started collecting donated items for victims of Hurricane Sandy last Monday night and by Saturday afternoon, they had filled a large trailer full of coats, bedding, toiletries, food, diapers and wipes, and cleaning supplies.

MVFD member Jenna Manion organized the effort after hearing about the need for basic supplies in the worst affected areas of New York. A steady stream of
residents and firefighters continued dropping off donations all week long, resulting in a packed trailer that is being driven to New York on Sunday.

"The response was absolutely amazing," said Manion. "The amount of items donated was almost overwhelming. People have been so incredibly generous."

She added that many residents generously dropped off cases of canned goods, water, cleaning supplies, and plenty of diapers. Late Saturday afternoon, about eight volunteer firefighters were working to organize the donated items as residents continued to stop by to drop off more items.

Firefighters from Sikorsky's plant in Stratford also helped the cause by dropping off a large load of cleaning supplies and food. Organizers told MVFD that they no longer need clothing but they welcome the large number of kids and adults coats that were collected.

MVFD stopped accepting clothing during the week and will instead donate the clothing that was collected; enough to fill two pick-up trucks, to local charities. Several other fire departments in the area organized similar collections for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, including Nichols (Trumbull) and New Canaan.