Local Fire Stations will serve as drop-off sites for emergency supplies for tornado victims; Public asked to donate through noon, Thursday, June 9th

DORCHESTER, Mass., June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Representatives from the Professional Firefighters of MA, Teamsters Local 25 and the Building and Construction Trades Council of the Metropolitan District today pledged to help victims from this weeks devastating storms by spearheading a Labor Tornado Relief Effort aimed at collecting and distributing basic necessities to residents in need.

From today through noon on Thursday, June 9th, MA residents are urged to drop-off supplies to their local fire stations. All items will be collected and then distributed to residents in the 19 communities affected. Requested items are: water, blue tarps, flashlights, batteries, glow sticks, bungee cords and rope.

"Firefighters from across the state have been on the ground in the western part of the state since Thursday helping with recovery efforts," said Edward Kelly, president of the Professional Firefighters of MA. "It's not often that a natural disaster hits so close to home, and our tornado relief effort is a way for everyone to help. We're asking residents to take a moment in the next several days and stop by their local fire station with a donation."

"Long after the trees and debris have been cleared and the communities are once again operational, people will still be rebuilding their lives," said Martin Walsh, treasurer of the Building and Construction Trades Council of the Metropolitan District. "This is one way that all Mass residents can help their neighbors rebuild."

"When disaster strikes, there is often little time to collect the bare minimum for survival," said Sean O'Brien, president of Teamsters Local 25, whose trucks will drive the supplies to the affected areas.  "These supplies will hopefully provide a little bit of comfort to families who have already lost too much."

In addition to mainstream media, the unions will encourage members to notify family and friends about the tornado relief effort through face book, twitter and text messages. Members will be asked to "repost" a simple message asking people to donate supplies to their local fire station by Thursday.

SOURCE Professional Firefighters of MA

Back to top