BROOKHAVEN — Hurricane Milton continues to grow in the Gulf of Mexico just north of the Yucatan Peninsula and is expected to bring devastating destruction to the Florida Peninsula. The National Hurricane Center warns today is the last full day for families to evacuate and get their homes ready in Florida as the storm moves eastward. 

Hundreds of miles away from the Florida Peninsula, Cathy Stroud and the Brookhaven Veterans of Foreign Wars Captain Danny D. Entrican Post #2618 is getting ready to send more donations to hurricane victims. Stroud and members of Socks for Heroes, Brookhaven VFW and VFW Auxiliary, American Legion in Wesson and McComb came together to send needed supplies to victims of Hurricane Helene in the Appalachian mountains. The supplies were sent to Asheville, North Carolina. 

The Associated Press reports 230 people died from Hurricane Helene and subsequent flooding, it is possible the death toll could continue to climb as recovery efforts are ongoing. 

A week later, donations might be needed for what is forecast to be a major hurricane striking the peninsula of Florida. Milton is forecast to be a Category 4 right now but could grow in strength.  Stroud said all they can do right now is pray for the region. 

“We may have to divide the donations up. There is already so much loss down there and we just pray for the people in the storm’s path,” Stroud said. 

Post #2618 will take donations for hurricane relief this Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The VFW is located at 728 Industrial Park Road NE in Brookhaven. 

Stroud said they will need baby formula, bottles, baby food, diapers, baby socks, sippy cups, non perishable food items, powdered drink mixes like Gatorade and hydration mixes, manual can openers, plastic utensils, toilet paper, paper towels, kids clothing, adult clothing, personal hygiene products, first aid supplies, candles, flashlights, batteries, cleaning supplies and pet food. All clothing donations must be new and not used due to hygiene concerns, Stroud added. 

The VFW would also covet any prayer for driving teams who are out on the road delivering much needed supplies to the victims in Asheville. 

Anyone who would like to send a monetary donation can do so over paypal by giving to socksforheroes@yahoo.com.