Bulloch County Public Safety is heading efforts to collect supplies to assist victims of flooding in South Carolina due in part to the effects of Hurricane Joaquin.

    Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn said the South Carolina Department of Emergency Management reported numerous dams were destroyed or breached and at least 17 people have died in the Carolinas as a result of the flooding.

    "Reach out to them if you can," he said.

    Donated items may be dropped off at the Bulloch County Public Safety Office on Highway 301 North, adjacent to the Bulloch County Jail. Items needed include bottled water and nonperishable foods; baby food, formulas, diapers and other baby care items; unopened toiletries such as toothpaste, shaving cream, soaps and shampoos; and children's items such as puzzles, coloring books and crayons.

    Monetary donations are needed as well, Wynn said. These donations help with transporting, warehousing and delivering donated items, as well as the purchase of additional items by charitable organizations that are helping meet the state's needs.

    South Carolina officials are asking that monetary donations be made directly to the following organizations:

·         Adventist Community Services: 1-800-227-2702

·         American Red Cross Central South Carolina: 1-800-435-7669

·         Feeding America: 1-800-771-2303

·         Harvest Hope Food Bank: 803-254-4432

·         Salvation Army: 1-800-725-2769

·         United Way of America: 1-800-272-4630

·         United Way of South Carolina: 803-929-1000

    Clothing donations are not needed at this point, Wynn said. Food donations also may be made to local food banks, which are helping with the disaster relief.

    Donated items also may be dropped off at Ellis Wood Contracting off Highway 301 South.

            Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.