The kindness of strangers is always a welcome virtue and the residents of the Santa Clarita Valley pulled through last year by collecting nearly 100,000 books for elementary schools in Houma, Louisiana, an area devastated by Hurricane Rita.  The positive efforts driven by ongoing work done by the Santa Clarita Valley Disaster Coalition (SCVDC) are now being recognized with one of the top awards from the Emergency Preparedness Commission.

 

“Your efforts to assist communities beyond state borders are a testament of your commitment to provide relief to residents affected by disasters.  The commission acknowledges the coalition for its commitment to public education and emergency preparedness,” says the Emergency Preparedness Commission for the County and Cities of Los Angeles.

 
In addition to collecting more than 97,000 books for the six Louisiana elementary schools, the drive raised nearly $14,000 and nearly 100,000 points from Scholastic to be traded for additional books.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Emergency Preparedness Commission for the work done by the Santa Clarita Valley Disaster Coalition,” says Mayor Marsha McLean, “With the support of community members and the SCVDC, our City helped make a positive difference in the lives of the families and schools damaged by the 2005 hurricanes and resulting floods.”

The goal of the all-volunteer coalition composed of local organizations, businesses and individuals is to band together and provide supplemental relief assistance in the midst of local and national crisis’.  They also aggressively promote disaster preparedness education to keep residents aware, in the event of a disaster.  If you’d like to make a tax-deductible cash contribution, mail your checks to:  

KHTS
SCV Disaster Coalition
27225 Camp Plenty Road, Suite 8
Santa Clarita, CA 91351

Checks should be made payable to the SCV Disaster Coalition.  Gift Cards for household items and clothing are also needed.
For further information, visit www.scvcoalition.com.