Miami-Dade County Libraries, Police and Fire Stations To Open As Collection Sites For Haiti Relief

MIAMI – In the wake of Tuesday’s earthquake in Haiti, Miami-Dade County is taking the next step in continuing local relief efforts. Beginning Sunday, January 17, 2010, all Miami-Dade County police and fire stations, as well as libraries, will serve as drop off sites for the collection of much needed supplies to send to the people of Haiti.

At this time, officials are asking that donated items be limited to nonperishable food, water, gloves of all types, surgical masks and camping tents. At this time, Miami-Dade collections are being limited to only the specified items, not clothing or other goods.

Miami-Dade County is partnering with a number of Miami-Dade municipalities in this effort, including Hialeah, Coral Gables, Homestead, North Miami Beach, North Miami, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Springs, Sweetwater, South Miami, Pinecrest, Florida City, Golden Beach, El Portal, Miami Shores, North Bay Village, Bay Harbor Island, Surfside, Indian Creek, Miami Gardens and Miami-Dade Public Schools. (Cities have designated their own drop off locations, which may not include municipal police and fire stations or libraries.)

“There has been an outpouring of support for the Haitian community and our residents have been looking for any and every way to donate items,” Mayor Alvarez said. “Miami-Dade County is proud to partner with other communities in this countywide effort.”

“The needs in Haiti are great and Miami-Dade County is eager to provide life-saving goods to people who are suffering,” said Commissioner Audrey Edmonson. “Donations are just another way show our support for Haiti and its people.”

While all libraries are closed on Monday, January 18, 2010 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Day, the following library locations will be accepting donations on Sunday, January 17th and Monday, January 18th, from 1 pm to 5 pm.

For more detailed information on drop off sites, residents can call 3-1-1 or go to www.miamidade.gov.

Miami-Dade County continues to encourage monetary donations through the Red Cross or other recognized international relief agencies.