Jazzmyne Brock, 9, helps her mother and grandmother salvage items from a friend's trailer after it was destroyed by Hurricane Michael in Panama City, Florida. Much of the city remains without electricity or running water since the storm slammed into the Florida Panhandle October 10. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
TEMPLETON (WBZ-AM) -- It's just over two weeks since Hurricane Michael slammed into Florida, and there's still a lot of help needed in the panhandle. One local Police Department is leading efforts here in Massachusetts to help first responders who were affected by the storm.
The Templeton Police Department is collecting supplies and monetary donations to help those who have been helping others. Chief Michael Bennett told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker he's friends with a Captain Rich McClanahan in the Panama City Beach Police Department, who reached out saying help was needed collecting things like toiletries, baby supplies, and non-perishable foods.
"A lot of the first responders were affected hard, they lost everything," Bennett said. "Some people don't realize that, these first responders, if they don't have what they need, how are they gonna respond and assist all the other people that need assistance?"
In a post on the department's Facebook page, they said they'll be collecting donations at the Templeton Fire Department and at their dispatch center until November first.
Gift cards and monetary donations are also being accepted. Police have already received a $500 donation for fuel to pay for the trip--and the Bennetts will drive the supplies down.
"My wife and I have volunteered," Bennett said. "You know, this is our brainchild. Hopefully we're gonna get a box truck donated, we're gonna leave late on November 1st, we're gonna drive November first, second, hopefully get there on the third, we'll unload, and my wife and I will fly back on the fourth."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker (@radiobenparker) reports