BRADENTON, Fla. — In an effort to help areas devastated by Hurricane Laura, students in Bradenton are asking for the community’s help. 

Electa Arcotte Lee Magnet Middle School’s business students have started a drive to give area residents a place to drop off supplies for those displaced by the storm in Louisiana. 


What You Need To Know

  • Donations will be sent to displaced Louisiana residents

  • Teacher's students held similar drives in past

  • They collected 25,000 pounds of supplies for Bahamas in 2019

  • Supplies sought: Food, hygiene products, baby items, clothes, shoes

“I want to teach them that just because you don’t have a lot of money or you’re not part of a big organization, doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference,” business teacher Richard Daenell said. 

For years, students in Daenell’s class have organized massive donations for other cities in need. 

“Last year, we donated over 25,000 pounds of supplies to the Bahamas,” Daenell said. “The kids learn they are able to give back, even at 10, 11, 12 years old,” Daenell said. “I am so proud of them."

The students seek the following supplies to send to Louisiana: 

  • Hygiene products 
  • Shelf-stable food 
  • Baby supplies 
  • Clothes 
  • Shoes  

Donors can drop off supplies at 4000 53rd Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34210 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

For more information, call Electa Arcotte Lee Middle School at 941-727-6500, or email Richard Daenell.