Florida Gulf Coast University Hurricane Relief Drive

I first want to thank you for your assistance with the Hurricane Relief Drive.

My son, Michael Rivera, grew up here in Miami Springs.  He participated in various sports and events here in Miami Springs while growing up.  He picked up the game of golf 4 years ago and it has turned into a passion for him.

He just started his first year of college and is in the PGA Professional Golf Management program at Florida Gulf Coast University.  In just a few weeks, he has made many close relationships with many new friends from the Fort Myers / Naples area.  Last week when I saw that Hurricane Ian was making a turn south to Ft. Myers, I asked Michael to pack up his bags and come home to Miami.  Although he was able to evacuate and come to Miami with one of his roommates and another friend, many of his new local friends had to stay behind.  We have learned that some of them, from as far south as Bonita Springs, have lost everything.

Since the school is still closed this week, Michael is still here in Miami Springs with us.  They are hoping to open the school and resume classes this coming Monday, October 10^th.

Being here in Miami, we felt we needed to do something to help some of those students, employees and families of Florida Gulf Coast University.

I have gotten approval from the Omar Luna, of the Miami Springs Rec Center, and the owners of Hole 19 at the Miami Springs Golf Course to use their locations as drop off points for donations to be delivered to Fort Myers.

I know it is short notice, but I hope to collect as many items as possible and drive them over to the campus this coming Saturday, October 8^th.   My wife and I will be driving over all the donations and distributing them to any students, employees or family members that need help.  Depending on the success of this food drive, I would be open to ask if anyone would like to help, to please feel free to contact us.

I have attached a flyer that I quickly put together, hoping that we can spread the word out as quickly as possible.  It would be great if you could post this on your MiamiSprings.com Facebook page.  Once posted, my wife and I would share it with our Friends/Contacts hoping to get this information out to as many people as possible.

If this drive is a success and we see that there is still a need for items, I would consider doing a second collection for the following week.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at: 305-542-6100.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Albert Rivera
Miami Springs Resident

ITEMS NEEDED:

• FOOD:
  • RICE
  • BEANS
  • PASTA
  • CRACKERS
    SNACKS
  • CAN FOODS, ETC.
• BEVERAGES:
  • BOTTLED WATER
  • ENERGY DRINKS
• TOILETRIES:
  • TOOTHPASTE
  • PADS
  • DEODORANT
  • SHAMPOO
  • SOAP, ETC.
• CLEANING SUPPLIES:
  • LAUNDRY DETERGENT
  • TOILET PAPERS
  • GARBAGE BAGS
  • PAPER TOWELS
• MISC. ITEMS
  • PET FOOD
  • BATTERIES
  • TARPS
  • CANDLES
  • BUG SPRAY
  • TOWELS
  • CHARCOAL, ETC.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS

• Miami Springs Recreation Center – 1401 Westward Drive
• Hole 19 Scratch Kitchen and Bar (inside the Miami Springs Country Club)