Somerville/Summerville Hurricane Sandy Donation Effort Runs Dec. 10 to Dec. 22

Three cities with the same name—Somerville, Mass., Somerville, N.J. and Summerville, S.C.—are teaming up to collect a variety of goods for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Summerville, S.C. sent its donations to New Jersey on Dec. 7, and Somerville, Mass., will send donations on Dec. 22.

The city made the following announcement (below) about when and where to make donations.

In short, you can make donations from Dec. 10 to Dec. 21.

Here's the announcement from the city:

CITIES/TOWNS OF SOMERVILLE ALONG THE EAST COAST COLLECTING DONATIONS FOR HURRICANE SANDY VICTIMS

Somerville, MA, Somerville, NJ and Summerville, SC Undertaking Holiday Collection Drive through December 22nd to Support Hurricane Victims along Jersey Shore; Somerville, NJ Mayor, Brian Gallagher, Coordinating Sister-City Effort for his Home State.

SOMERVILLE – The communities of Somerville, Massachusetts, Somerville, New Jersey, and Summerville, South Carolina are joining forces this month to support victims of Hurricane Sandy along the Jersey Shore, in an effort coordinated by Somerville, NJ Mayor Brian Gallagher.  With supplies from around the nation already reaching the Shore over the past several weeks, efforts are being redoubled by the Somer/Summervilles in advance of the holiday season, and to address changing needs as residents begin to clean up and reoccupy homes.  In Somerville, MA, the donation drive will begin Monday, December 10th and last through Friday, December 21st.  Needed items are:  canned, non-perishable foods; household [cleaning] products; toiletries; baby items such as wipes and diapers; hygiene items; and pet food.  Please, no clothes. 

Donation locations are as follows:

• City Hall, 93 Highland Ave.
• For hours of operation:  www.somervillema.gov
• City Hall Annex, 50 Evergreen Ave.
• For hours of operation:  www.somervillema.gov
• Somerville Police Department(s):
• Main Station:  220 Washington Street
• East Substation:  81 Broadway
• West Substation: 1114 Broadway
• Somerville Public Libraries:
• Main Branch:  79 Highland Ave.
• West Branch:  40 College Ave.
• East Branch:  115 Broadway
• For hours of operation: www.somervillepubliclibrary.org 
• Somerville Council on Aging:  167 Holland St.

“Hurricane Sandy was a devastating storm for so many communities along the east coast, particularly along the New Jersey coastline, and in its immediate wake so many residents and employees in our community were eager to help.  In speaking with Mayor Gallagher from Somerville, New Jersey, it was clear that there was a very specific need for supplies, and that we could be helpful in the weeks and months to come,” said Mayor Curtatone.  “In the midst of the holidays, as many of us prepare our homes and purchase gifts for our loved ones, it’s important that we remember how many people are left without shelter, food, and so many other items this year.  Please consider joining me in making even a small donation to victims of Hurricane Sandy, and help us make a difference in the lives of others this Christmas.”

Supplies will be delivered to Somerville, NJ on Saturday, December 22nd by a delegation from Somerville, MA, and will then be distributed to residents along the Jersey Shore as necessary.

Additional holiday drives ongoing in the City of Somerville, MA include the annual Toys for Local Children drive coordinated by the Somerville Council on Aging.  Donation boxes for new, unwrapped toys are available at all municipal buildings, and will be distributed to children in Somerville families for the holiday season.