Buffalo Grove Police, Fire Departments Hold Tornado Relief Drive

The Buffalo Grove police and fire departments are collecting donations this week to benefit first responders directly affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes.  

“First responders are on the front lines during times of disaster. Often these heroes are victims themselves. It’s easy to forget the amount of personal sacrifice and commitment to serving others while many have lost their own homes and/or belongings,” the departments said in a joint press release.

Through several networks, the Buffalo Grove police and fire departments have identified a number of active and retired police officers, firefighters, paramedics and dispatchers who lost their homes or sustained significant damage. Their goal is to provide direct assistance to these heroes and their families.  

Donations will be accepted at the Buffalo Grove Police Department from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 22-24. 

Items being collected are:  

Gifts cards to Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy and the like.

Other needed items include toiletries, lightweight plastic shelving, plastic tubs, toothpaste, toothbrushes, pain reliever, cold medicine, first aid kits, hand sanitizer, sewing kits, baby wipes, diapers, baby formula, baby bottles, baby sippy cups, pacifiers, baby food, baby clothes, baby blankets, pack n' play, baby bedding, coats, boots ‐ all sizes, shoes, scarfs, gloves, socks, underwear, contact solution, contact cases, reading glasses, plastic cups, plastic plates, plastic utensils, razors, pillows, blankets, extension cords, power strips, phone chargers, water, black markers, duct tape and pet food. 

Any donations received beyond those needed by first responders will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Members of the police and fire departments along with members of the Illinois Truck Enforcement Officers Association will travel to the Tazwell County area on Nov. 26 to distribute the donated items.

Monetary donations should be made directly to the American Red Cross.