TAMPA, Fla. — Leto High School is set to hold a large hurricane donation giveaway Saturday and is inviting anyone in need in the community to come by and take what they need.
The pickup is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Leto High School.
Attendees are asked to follow signs and park in the junior parking lot and then walk to the school’s bus loop where the donated items will be laid on dozens of tables. From there, attendees will be given a bag and invited to take what they need.
Available items include food, like-new clothing, paper products, toys, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, home decor, homecoming outfits, bedding, kitchen and cooking items, appliances such as Keurigs, toasters, ovens, and multiple types of furniture.
English teacher Holly Ewing helped organize the donation giveaway and says the idea came from her students who participate in student government.
“They texted right after the hurricane and said, ’You know Miss Ewing we saw the videos of the flooding and we know our community is going to be hurting, so what can we do to try to help?’” she recalled.
Before students were even cleared to return to school, donations starting flowing in at Leto High School. Through their network, teachers and students have been working over the last two weeks to gather supplies. Monetary donations have also been coming in.
“We want to give back to those around us who support us,” Ewing said.
On Friday, a group of teachers and volunteers will be renting a U-Haul and going to pick up some of the larger donation items, like ovens and furniture, to prepare for Saturday’s giveaway.
If you would like to donate, please bring donations to Leto High School by 4 p.m. Friday. Items still in need include paper products, school supplies, backpacks and homecoming outfits.
Anyone wishing to donate a big-ticket item can call the school at 813-872-5300 and advisor Holly Ewing will reach out to discuss logistics.