How to help Hurricane Harvey victims in West Orange

As floodwaters begin to peak and slowly subside in Texas, volunteers across the country are mobilizing to organize relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Here in West Orange County, members of the community are coming together and preparing to join their efforts. Here is a current list of local organizations and churches that are collecting donations and more:

West Orange Times & Observer (and nearby) coverage area

Bravo - Clermont (701 E. Highway 50, Clermont) — 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31. 365Jeep will be at Bravo tonight to collect supplies, which will be delivered to Texas in a semi truck. Items needed: blankets, baby formula, diapers, wet wipes, batteries, flashlights, instant coffee, coffee creamer, socks, underwear, insect repellent, cleaning supplies, bleach, contractor bags, gloves, hand sanitizer, canned and non-perishable foods, toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, shampoo, liquid soap.

CrossFit Winter Garden (1101 S. Park Ave. Ste. 100, Winter Garden) — CrossFit Winter Garden and Hope Church have teamed up to collect donations such as water, canned goods, pet food, clothes, diapers and shoes for victims. Donations will likely be sent out Friday, Sept. 1. 

First United Methodist Church Winter Garden (125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden) — The United Methodist Committee on Relief is assembling and collecting relief kits and donations for victims. Information on cleaning kit assembly: bit.ly/2xxfpxH. Donate here: bit.ly/1FOYsig.

Gracie Barra Clermont (16129 State Road 50 Ste. 103, Clermont) — Drop-off location for items for storm victims. Bring items any evening after 5 p.m. Donation box is being packed and sent to Texas Saturday, Sept. 2.

Windermere Observer coverage area

33 & Melt at Summerport Village (13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd. Ste. 1000, Windermere) — Harvey disaster donation collection location, through Sept. 3. Donations will be sent to Texas early next week with the National Insurance Restoration Council and Paramount Disaster Recovery, LLC. Necessities such as air mattresses, pillows, sheets, blankets, water, food, toys, feminine products, toiletries and pet food will be accepted.

Lakeside Realty (430 Main St., Windermere) — Lakeside Realty has been collecting supplies to deliver to the victims. (Update: Donations are no longer being accepted, as the couple is leaving for Dallas this weekend.)

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (4851 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando) — Flood Bucket Challenge. Starting Sunday, pick up a free bucket to fill with supplies for hurricane victims. A list of supplies will be provided. Bring the bucket back the following Sunday.

Studio K-9 Dance Event (Studio K, 11951 International Drive S., Orlando) — 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Studio K’s charitable division, Studio K-9, holds events throughout the year to dance for rescue dogs with 100% of proceeds going to local animal shelters. This event will raise money to help support the animals lost or left behind in the hurricane. Event info: facebook.com/events/322738664796440. 

Windermere High School (5523 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere) — Windermere High FFA is collecting items to be sent next Friday to Texas. A donation box is set up outside the ag room, 6-110. Items suggested: first-aid kits, towels, blankets, socks, pet food, diapers, non-perishable foods.