Schuylkill County residents are continuing to help the less fortunate victims of Hurricane Sandy.
In addition to a group of residents that will be making a trip Saturday to Toms River, N.J., to volunteer and donate supplies and are collecting donations at Brewer's Outlet, Pottsville, other community businesses and organizations are seeking donations to help victims as well.
Harold Marks of Natural Energy Solutions, Minersville, said that his company also came into contact with people in Toms River and decided to start collecting desperately needed items as well.
The Natural Energy Solutions website states that it has more than 20 years experience and provides GroundSource heating and cooling systems design and installation.
"We are running a trailer to Toms River, N.J., this weekend," Marks said. "We will be collecting every day through 8 p.m. at our office at 878 Sunbury Road, outside of Minersville on Route 901."
Donations will be accepted at a trailer in the parking lot of Natural Energy Solutions until 11 a.m. Saturday.
According to a Facebook post from his wife, Laurie Drebitko-Marks, Schuylkill County VISION's director of marketing and development, Natural Energy Solutions has had many customers and friends impacted from Hurricane Sandy and many people are not just without homes but without the everyday necessities that are taken for granted, such as toothpaste, soap and toilet paper.
"Please spread the word and help us donate to the thousands of adults and children that have lost everything," Drebitko-Marks said. "An outgrown coat, an extra pair of socks or even just a tube of toothpaste is greatly appreciated."
Pets also need help during the aftermath of Sandy.
Pribilla's Home Center, with locations in Tremont and Tower City, and Wayward Animal Rescue, Cressona, are working together to collect donations for animals in need. Kim Pribilla, a resident of Pine Grove, said donations are being accepted at various locations in the county. Her husband, Tom, owns Pribilla's Home Center, and could donate items, too, she said.
Pet supplies such as food, collars, leashes, bedding, water, toys and other items are needed, Pribilla said.
Donations can help the animals until their owners are found or they find a new home.
Monetary donations are not being accepted, she said. Those wishing to do that should call the American Red Cross at 800-Red-Cross. Items will be collected until Nov. 17 and delivered Nov. 19 to Toms River along with the collections from those who donated to the Middleport Fire Company, Middleport.
The following businesses are accepting donations.
- Pribilla's Home Center, 200 Bridge St., Tremont. and 101 Colliery Ave., Tower City, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday.
- Berger's Market, 30 Lovers Lane, Pine Grove, during business hours, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
- Mountain Shadow Veterinary Hospital, 64 Kiehner's Lane, Schuylkill Haven, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.
- We Luv Pets, Cressona Mall, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
- Sasha's Canine Bakery, 1415 Bunting Street, Pottsville, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
- Wayward Animal Rescue, 157 Pottsville Street, Cressona, no time was provided.
- Wal-Mart, Saint Clair, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
For questions or more information about helping the pets, call 717-813-5284 or 570-691-6729, or email gretrivers5@yahoo.com.