In response to the devastation caused by recent hurricanes in Florida, the City of Southfield, in collaboration with local area businesses, is spearheading a donation drive to provide immediate relief to those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. To ensure the donations reach those most in need, the City and business partners have set an ambitious goal to stuff a semi-truck with essential supplies that will be driven directly to Tampa, Florida. 

Collections will take place between Monday, October 14 and Friday, October 18 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Sun’s Innovation Center, 27301 W 11 Mile Road in Southfield. The following list of items are requested to be donated: 

• Clean Up Flood Buckets (donors can provide single items or assemble the buckets).
• Five-gallon round bucket with lid (14.35” height x 12.19” width x 12.19” depth)
  • No screw lids.
  • May be used, but must be free from all residual product.
  • Advertisement on the outside acceptable.
• 32–64 oz. bottle liquid laundry detergent
• 16–40 oz. bottle liquid concentrate household cleaner
  • No spray cleaners
• 16–34 oz. bottle liquid dish soap
• 4–8 oz. pump spray air freshener
• 6–14 oz. pump spray insect repellant (pack of 10–20 wipes also acceptable)
  • Pump spray bottles must have protective covers.
• Scrub brushes
  • With or without handle
• 18 Re-usable cleaning wipes
  • No terrycloth, microfiber, or paper towels
  • Remove from packaging.
• Five Scouring pads
  • No stainless steel or pads with soap in them
  • Remove from packaging.
• 36-50 Clothes Pins
• 50–100 ft. clotheslines (cotton or plastic line)
• 24 Roll Heavy-duty trash bags (33–45-gallon sizes)
  • remove from packaging.
• N95 particulate respirator dust masks (1–3 mm thickness)
  • No surgical masks
• Kitchen gloves
  • Durable for multiple uses
  • Remove from packaging.
• Work gloves
  • Cotton with leather palm or all leather
• Soft Goods
  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Bedding
• Baby Supplies
  • Diapers
  • Formula
  • Etc.
• Pet Supplies

Hurricanes Helene and Milton were catastrophic storms, that have left thousands of Floridians without homes, food, and essential supplies. The affected residents are facing unprecedented challenges, and the road to recovery will be long and arduous. The City of Southfield is urgently calling upon the community to come together and support those in need. This effort underscores our commitment to providing immediate relief and showing our solidarity with the affected communities.

“Our Southfield community has a proud tradition of stepping up in times of need,” commented Southfield Mayor Dr. Kenson Siver. “By joining forces to support those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we demonstrate the power of unity and compassion. Let's fill that semi-truck with hope and help our fellow citizens in Florida to rebuild their lives.” 

“In times of crisis, it is our duty to extend a helping hand to those in need,” stated Rochelle Freeman, director of Southfield Business & Economic Development. “We are calling on our community to show their generosity and support the residents of Florida as they rebuild their lives.”

The Stuff the Semi Truck event is sponsored by the City of Southfield, Applied Innovation, Clarience Technologies, Garnder White, Robert Half, Stefanini, Sun Communities, Surgeon’s Choice Medical Center, and Mayflower Moving Company. The Southfield Business & Economic Development department is committed to fostering economic growth and community well-being. Through strategic initiatives and collaborations, the city aims to create a thriving business environment and support the prosperity of our community.

For more information, call the Southfield Business and Economic Development Department at (248) 796-4161.