By Jennifer Shrader

Jennifer.Shrader@lagrangenews.com

 

A local business is taking up donations for residents of Albany, which has been hit by tornadoes twice in the last month.

 

Donations may be dropped off at All Self Storage, 101 Lukken Industrial Drive East, or the LaGrange-Troup County Humane Society at 1390 Orchard Hill Road.

 

All Self Storage Manager Mandy Stevens said she and owner Lisa Boatwright wanted to help after the first storm hit the city earlier this month, but time slipped away from them. After last weekend’s storm, Stevens’ husband, who works for Georgia Power, was deployed to the area.

 

“He said the pictures don’t do it justice,” she said, and the stormy weekend reminded everyone it could just as easily have been Troup County in the crosshairs.

 

The LaGrange-Troup County Humane Society and LaGrange Animal Shelter have joined in the effort, collecting donations for animals affected by the storm. Stevens is in contact with the First Baptist Church of Albany, which is feeding local residents and organizing donation efforts.

 

A truck will leave from All Self Storage on Saturday at noon with collected items. UHaul is donating the truck.

 

The following items are being collected:

 

Paper goods: Toilet tissue, paper towels, paper plates

Cleaning supplies: Mops, gloves, brooms, garbage bags, rakes, tarps, storage containers, bleach/Clorox cleanup

Beverages: Bottled water, energy drinks, soda, juice

Snack items: Individually packaged

Blankets: New (unwrapped)

Socks and undergarments: Shampoo, soap, feminine hygiene, adult diapers, medicine

Baby items: Diapers, baby food, nursery water

Ready-to-eat food: Non-perishable items, cans with pop-top lids

Ice chests and coolers

Animal needs: Pedigree dog/cat food (dry), kitty litter

 

Stevens and the volunteers will determine if more trips and donations to Albany are needed once they get there and meet with officials.