CLEARWATER, Fla. — It’s been a long road to recovery after Hurricane Milton for residents of The Standard at 2690 Apartments in Clearwater.
The flooding there was so severe the Pinellas County sheriff called it the most significant rescue effort in the county’s history.
Now, months later, many of those residents are still without permanent housing, and one local church is calling on the community to help those families still make this Christmas special.
The Iglesia Pentecostal Church has become a hub of help for people living in this community after Milton. One woman who lives at the Standard Apartments says thanks to the church, her kids will still have the Christmas they deserve.
Vanessa Morales first met the women of the Iglesia Pentecostal Church after Milton, when her family’s apartment flooded.
“They called me around 2 o’clock in the night, and said they were getting flooded, and they were kind of scared because the water was getting almost to their knees,” she said.
The women at the church took it upon themselves to help their friends and neighbors. They started collecting items to help families like Morales who lost everything.
“It’s toys, winter clothes, shoes, whatever the kids (need), many people say I need clothes, I need shoes, so this is the focus for the moment,” said Graciela Hreben, a member of the church.
The church also wanted to make sure the children still had a good Christmas, despite their circumstances, so they started a toy drive.
“They went through a lot, so hopefully this Christmas they will be excited and happy. That we are building back again our home,” said Morales.
They’ve collected enough toys for nearly all of the children whose families lived at the Standard Apartments, and Morales says while this Christmas will still be different for her family, knowing they have this kind of support keeps them in the spirit.
“It feels like we are not alone and we still have nice people out there, not only me, helping everybody because it’s not just one family,” she said.
The church says they will continue helping families in need after the holidays. It is currently collecting the following items: Food, medicine, new clothes, sanitary supplies, toys, diapers, baby wipes, cleaning supplies, and water. They also accept cash donations. If you would like to help, you can contact Graciela at 908-487-7312.
There will be a special event at Iglesia Pentecostal Church on Saturday for all of the families picking up toys.