In the aftermath of the historic flooding last month that hit Spring Valley residents especially hard, a coalition of volunteers has set up a site for collecting donations of everything from blankets and towels to pots and pans.
The Spring Valley Community Alliance, working alongside local churches and other organizations, is spearheading the donation drive to help the many people whose belongings and homes were either severely damaged or destroyed by more than two feet of floodwater.
The donation site, located at the Spring Valley Community Church at 3310 Bancroft Dr., opened Saturday morning for a couple of hours but will resume regular hours during the week from 10 a.m. to noon Mondays through Thursdays. It will remain operating through April 15.
“On January 22, 2024, Spring Valley, California experienced a 1,000-year flood event where 3 inches of rain fell in 1 hour,” the Alliance said on its website. “Over 200 Spring Valley homes are badly damaged by 2 feet or more of flood water. The waters receded quickly but peoples belongings and property are severely damaged or destroyed. “
The SVCA noted that while federal emergency relief was formally approved last Monday, local households are still in need of additional assistance.
“So as a Community, let’s come together and help those impacted and who are struggling to get through this,” the alliance said.
Among the donations being sought are bedding, kitchen items, and personal care items, including soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, hairbrushes and shampoo. Cleaning supplies, baby products and new underwear and socks are also needed. Organizers are asking that clothing not be donated.
Any donations remaining after April 15 will be given 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.
