REVIEW AND UPDATE: FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS
From PDG Dave Harris, Cabinet Treasurer

December 27, 2011 - With the onset of winter, clubs in our district continue to provide relief to those who suffered from the devastating effects of storms and flooding last summer, particularly in the Schoharie Valley and Rotterdam Junction areas. The work continues and there is much left to be done.

As you know, through the efforts of District Governor Rick Quick, we received a restricted LCIF Emergency Grant of $10,000 in early September. To date, funds have been distributed to:

Fonda/Fultonville Lions Club - $400             Amsterdam Lions Club - $400

Scotia Glenville Lions Club - $400                    Granville Lions Club - $400

Town of Wright/Schoharie Valley - $4000           Duane Lions Club - $2000

There remains $2000 additional designated for the Duane Lions Club and $400 unclaimed reserve in the LCIF account. Clubs receiving funds from the LCIF grant are reminded that a report describing distribution of funds along with receipts and any publicity generated as a result of their work  must be provided for LCIF. Any information and reports should be sent directly to me so that I may complete and submit a report from our district.

We have also received unrestricted funds through generous donations from our own clubs as well as an unrestricted NYS and Bermuda Lions Foundation Emergency Grant as shown below:

NYS & Bermuda Lions Foundation - $2500   Glens Falls Lions Club -$500

Town of Greenfield Lions Club - $1000        Gloversville Lions Club - $500

Town of Hoosick Lions Club - $100               Lions Club of Deerfield -$500  

To date, we have distributed $700 to the Scotia Glenville Lions Club and $2000 to the Town of Wright/Schoharie Valley Lions Club from this unrestricted fund. A balance of $2400 remains.

In addition to programs coordinated at the district level, many clubs have developed projects and contributed funds directly to affected areas on their own. Some of these which have been reported to me include:

Granville Lions Club: Provided $5000 additional monetary relief to 13 families who lost property through flooding of the Mettowee and Indian Rivers. Coordinated replacement furniture and appliances with lightly used donations.

Albany & Troy Lions Club: Donation of $1500 during visitation to Town of Wright/Schoharie Valley Lions Club for purchase of small denomination gift cards from Price Chopper and WalMart.

Mechanicville/Stillwater Lions Club: Held a special Chicken & Biscuit Dinner fundraiser, coordinated by PDG Lettie Saheim, resulting in over $1000 being sent to the affected area.

Bethlehem Lions Club: Club donation of $1000 matched by King Lion Dan Ryan and his wife and additional donations from club members for a total of $2250 in the form of gift cards delivered to the Town of Wright/ Schoharie Valley Lions Club.

Central Mohawk Valley Lions Club: Donation of $1000 to assist clean up for a family in Schoharie Valley.

I know that many Lions from throughout our district traveled to affected areas to deliver needed supplies and aid to victims of the flooding. Thank you to members of the Galway Lions Club and PDG Orv Curtis in this regard and especially those clubs and individuals whose important efforts remain unreported. My apologies.

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Sept. 7, 2011, 8:40 PM - As everyone is well aware, Hurricane Irene has left significant wind and water damage in several parts of our district. LCIF has provided an emergency grant of $10,000, and the district has approximately $8500 in undesignated funds that can be used. Control of these funds rests with DG Rick Quick (rquick@nycap.rr.com; H: 518-370-1269; C: 518-858-4830). These funds are generous, but they won't go very far in the face of the massive devastation in some areas.

The Schoharie County Community Action Program has provided a list of supplies they need (see below**), but each community's needs are different. To find out how your club can help, please contact one of these Lions:

** Lion Tom Snowdon, Town of Wright Lions Club (tpsnowdon@msn.com, H: 518-872-1091)

Lion Wendy Fox, Fonda/Fultonville Lions Club (DWfoxhollowfarm@gmail.com; H: 518-853-4994)

Lion James Murphy, Duane Lions Club (H: 518-895-2320; C: 518-368-6007; W: 518-471-4259)

Lion Bob Montenaro, Greater Amsterdam Lions Club (fwadsworth@nycap.rr.com; H: 518-883-3939)

Lion Pete Slover, Scotia/Glenville Lions Club (Pete@mp-comp.com; H: 518-393-0118)

Watch this web site for updated information.

Lion Tom Snowdon reports that in addition to the items on the following list, towels and bedding are needed. They should be new. Full size and twin size sheets and blankets are most in short supply.

Schoharie County
Community Action Program, Inc.

Schoharie County Community Action Program, Inc. (SCCAP) is coordinating human service assistance for families impacted by the flood.

SCCAP is requesting the following items:

1.     Disposable diapers all sizes.

2.     Baby wipes, adult wipes/waterless wash cloths.

3.     Infant formula new only cans, with valid expiration dates.

4.     New personal hygiene items including tooth brushes, toothpaste, combs, shampoo, soap, face cloths, bath towels, shaving cream, disposable razors, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper.

5.     New only clothing:  t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, socks, underwear, sweat pants, shorts, flip flops, and baby clothes.

6.     Non-contract cell phones with minutes.

7.     Store gift cards.

8.     Gas gift cards.

9.     New household items bleach, buckets, sponges, paper towels, large garbage bags, rubber boots, face masks, bug spray, and rubber gloves. 

10.  New everyday items:  can openers, storage totes, coolers, and laundry products.

 SCCAP is accepting monetary donations for Schoharie County flood victims.  Please indicate on checks “Flood”.   All donated funds will be used to provide assistance to Schoharie County flood victims.

For individuals and families in need of assistance:

Donated items will be distributed out of the former Movie Gallery store located at 795 E. Main Street, Cobleskill, NY  12043 (behind Burger King). 

Distribution hours: 

            September 2, 3, 4 and 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

            September 6, 7, 8, and 9 from 9:00 a.m. to  4:00 p.m. or by appointment. 

            Please call for continued hours of operation after September 9, 2011.

Contact information:  518-234-2568 or 518-296-8523 or 1-866-849-2402   

Thank you for your donation and support.