SPRING VALLEY RESIDENTS UNITE TO SUPPORT FLOODED NEIGHBORS: DONATION SITE OPENS FEB. 24 THROUGH APRIL 15

Source: Spring Valley Community Alliance

February 22, 2024 (Spring Valley, CA) -- Spring Valley residents applaud Tuesday's approval of FEMA aid for those affected by the January 22 rainstorm, but the community is already taking action to support recovery efforts. A coalition of area churches, community organizations, and residents led by the Spring Valley Community Alliance have partnered to open a site at Spring Valley Community Church to collect and distribute donations for those affected. 

A donation site located at 3310 Bancroft Drive, Spring Valley will open Saturday February 24 from 10am to Noon. The site's regular hours will be Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to Noon.

While the waters receded quickly from the thousand-year flood, more than 200 Spring Valley homes were left badly impacted. Cars, furniture, appliances, and other essential belongings were left severely damaged or destroyed.  

"Many Spring Valley residents were left with the clothes on their backs and the items they could grab as they attempted to escape the rising waters," said Chris Pierce, Vice President of the Spring Valley Community Alliance. "There are physical needs that our neighbors have beyond what the County Resource Center set up at the Spring Valley Library could provide."

The Alliance documented the impact on their website https://www.thesvca.org/

Organizers are asking for donations of bedding, blankets, towels and washcloths, kitchen items, (new dishes, pots and pans, coffee makers, etc), personal-care items (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, combs, hairbrushes, shampoo, feminine care products, etc.), baby products, and cleaning supplies.

For those wanting to donate furniture or appliances, please contact floodrelief@thesvca.org as the drop off location will not have enough storage to receive these items and they will have to be managed separately.

Due to limited space and volunteers, clothing other than underwear and socks (in the original packaging), water, and broken or soiled items will not be accepted. 

The donation site will run until April 15 or when all items are distributed. Remaining items after April 15 will be donated to La Mesa Spring Valley Educational Foundation's C.A.S.A. program (https://www.lmsvef.org/casa/) and other Spring Valley charities or thrift stores.

Questions and requests for additional information can be directed to floodrelief@thesvca.org.