Commissioner Diaz seeks donations for Hurricane Michael victims

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz speaks at a press conference to announce the County’s relief drive for Hurricane Michael victims.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY – The Miami-Dade County Commission on Oct. 23 approved a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz to allow County employees to contribute the monetary value of accrued holiday and annual leave time to the county’s Emergency Disaster Relief Fund for the purpose of donating to Hurricane Michael relief efforts in the Florida Panhandle.

“Our neighbors in the Florida Panhandle need our help to get back on their feet after this devastating storm,” Commissioner Diaz said. “Let’s show we care, because this could have been us.”

Commissioner Diaz recently traveled to the Florida Panhandle on behalf of Miami-Dade County to help assess the damage and begin delivering relief.  On his return, he hosted a press conference with County Mayor Carlos Gimenez and several other local leaders to discuss Hurricane Michael relief efforts and seek donations from businesses and individuals for a planned a caravan of goods to help storm victims. Commissioner Diaz also thanked several businesses and organizations that are already participating in the donation drive: Publix, Badia, Dolphin Mall, Sedano’s, Walmart, Farm Share, Gus Machado Ford and South Motors BMW, as well as the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the Beacon Council, Miami-Dade Firefighters Local 1403 and the Miami-Dade County Police Benevolent Association.

Drop-off locations for donations include the Main Library, 101 W Flagler St., and any Miami-Dade County or City of Miami fire station. Items being accepted include non-perishable foods, flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits and insect repellent. Clothing and furniture items will not be accepted. For a detailed list of acceptable donations, visit www.miamidade.gov/district12.

Those wishing to contribute to relief efforts also may contact Commissioner Diaz’s office at 305-599-1200.