Specialized Charities Group’s Hurricane Recovery Giveaway

Specialized Charities Group’s Hurricane Recovery Giveaway

Brings Aid to Over 2,200 in Need

Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Live Oak, FL

In the wake of Hurricanes Debby, Helena, and Milton, Specialized Charities Group successfully hosted a large-scale Hurricane Recovery Giveaway at our headquarters, 10065 US Hwy 129, Live Oak, FL. We are pleased to report that this event provided essential support to over 2,200 individuals, helping them find comfort and relief during these challenging times.

Our mission at Specialized Charities is to stand by those in need —seniors, veterans, children, and families—and provide essential goods, financial assistance, and educational resources to aid in their recovery and rebuild their lives.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support and contributions of our corporate and private donors, including:

Bath & Body Works, Nike, Gilden, Ikea, Burlington, Amazon, Texas Ranch Saddle Company, and countless generous individuals and companies.

Jonathan Weiner, Director of Specialized Charities, shared his gratitude, saying, “Our 20,000 SF building is battered and in need of repair, but our mission to help those in need is unstoppable. Our air conditioners and walls may be damaged, but our hearts are whole.” His words reflect our resolve to serve our community, despite the obstacles we face.

In addition to providing relief items, we were thrilled to see our event also bring support to Mystic Jungle Animal Sanctuary, which raised enough donations to start building enclosures for two recently surrendered cougars, saving them from possibly being euthanized, ensuring they can live safely in a protected environment. Please visit and help them at Mysticjungle.org

Karen Ruiz, Director of marketing at Specialized Charities, expressed her heartfelt reaction: “It was heart wrenching to hear the personal stories of so many who lost everything during these destructive storms” She went on to say “hugs are always available”

While we are committed to continuing this work, our resources are stretched. Most of the goods we had reserved for our annual holiday distribution were used to support the hurricane recovery, leaving us in need of additional donations. We already have volunteers, bags and boxes, just nothing to fill them with. Our goal was to distribute 3,500–5,000 specialized holiday event bags, but we need your help to make this a reality.

Steve Norrito, Director of Distribution at Specialized Charities voiced the immediate needs of survivors:

"People need personal items, building supplies, flooring and tools to really get the rebuilding ball rolling"

To learn more about us as well as our recovery efforts, holiday plans, or how you can contribute to rebuilding our facility, please visit SpecializedCharities.com.

Together, we can stand strong and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most

Special thanks to our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and all who attended the event. This united effort is proof of the strength and resilience of our community. Our next event will be announced soon.