Pasco schools rally behind families hit by Hurricane Helene

NEW PORT RICHEY — After watching Hurricane Helene devastate the community she serves, but experiencing little damage herself, Gulf High School student government advisor Diana Krupyak had just one thought.

She wanted to help others who lost so much.

And she was not alone.

Dozens of Pasco County school employees, students and residents turned out in force Sunday to support what turned into a massive clothing and supplies closet in Gulf High's cafeteria. Krupyak initially put out four tables to sort the donations, but quickly realized the entire cafeteria space might not be enough as neighbors came loaded with boxes and bags of clothing, toiletries, bedding and more for anyone who needed them.

"They can take what they need, get a hot meal," she said. "We are trying to establish some normalcy for them."

Junior Krish Patel came with a minivan full of contributions, and then stayed to help others carry their supplies. He said many of his friends live by the harbor, and they were wiped out.

"Instead of using my free time sitting at home, I'd rather be here," Patel said.

Junior Ardita Palevic said she, too, felt compelled to help.

"I saw friends' homes completely gone," Palevic said. "I wasn't really able to help them there. So I'm here."

The event brought people from far and wide. Rafael Leon came with his wife Ashley and daughter Julianna in The Cinnabus to give free gourmet cinnamon buns to volunteers and needing families alike.

"We felt like we wanted to help out," Leon said, as he distributed buns with cream cheese frosting to students. "We're located in Lutz, but wanted to do something."

Families who came for items were astounded by the generosity.

Charleen M, who did not want to share her last name, came with four of her five children, carrying several reusable grocery bags. While she picked up shampoo, her children browsed the toys.

She said the mobile home where the family had been staying was turned into the bushes, many of their belongings washed into the ravine.

"Almost everything was destroyed," she said. "This is hope. It's definitely some hope."

After less than an hour, much of the bedding and the piles of socks were diminishing. The bleach and paper towels were gone. But more contributions kept coming in.

For those that remain, Gulf High plans to send some of the items to Hudson High, which plans a similar event Wednesday evening. Anclote High School also plans to collect and distribute donations at its football games Monday and Friday, and Sunray Elementary was planning to open its clothes closet to the community.

Gulf High principal Jeff Morgenstein heaped praise on all the people from the schools and community who came on a Sunday to assist their neighbors.

"Never did we dream that we would have this kind of outpouring," Morgenstein said.

Get involved The West Pasco Title 1 Schools Hurricane Relief Donations Drive: Gulf High School is working with the Pasco Education Foundation to accept donations for families impacted by the storm. "All monies collected with be distributed fairly among the Title 1 elementary, middle, and high schools on the west side of Pasco," read a Facebook post about the drive . "We are grateful for any contribution that will help our families get focused back on living and learning." Visit bit.ly/pascohurricanerelief to donate.

Hudson High teams up with Metropolitan Ministries: Hudson High School will distribute hurricane relief supplies at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Clothing and hygiene items will also be available at the Hudson Community Clinic. To learn more about donating or receiving items, visit facebook.com/hudsonhighschoolpasco .

Anclote High School's football program will collect cash donations, food, toiletries and clean clothing at upcoming football games on Monday and Friday. 1540 Sweetbriar Dr., Holiday. Contact Coach Berger at .

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