PC resident collects donations for tornado relief

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EATON — Preble County resident Matt Jenkins recently set up donation spots in Eaton and neighboring areas to collect donation items for disaster relief in response to the tornadoes that affected the Miami Valley area. He filled up four trailers with items donated to Harrison Township

Jenkins worked with various organizations and corporations, including the company he works for, Primex Plastics Company. When he originated the idea, Jenkins reached out to Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson who was supportive of the idea, but did not know where Jenkins could set up a donation center.

Marathon South stepped up to the plate and let Jenkins set up in the station’s parking lot.

Jenkins also set up locations in Richmond, Indiana, Greenville, and Troy.

From those donation drives, Jenkins collected a total of four 53 foot trailers filled with items to deliver to areas effected by the tornadoes. Originally, he intended to focus on Brookville and Lima, as he felt those areas had been “forgotten by news media.”

He got in touch with the cities, only to find they did not need the items. He contacted Trotwood Fire Department, but they did not need the items either.

Finally, Jenkins got in touch with Harrison Township Fire Department and found they needed the help. Jenkins brought three trailers of items to Harrison Township and one trailer to the West Milton area.

“Harrison Township was very appreciative of the donations. The fire department chief was almost about to cry when I showed up with three different trailers filled with stuff to bring his community. He was really moved,” Jenkins said.

“I am very happy with how we did on donations. Eaton and Greenville I didn’t expect very much at all, but the citizens really helped out. The residents of Preble County amazed me. I am very pleased with that. I am beyond amazed and appreciative of how well these four communities came together for the Dayton tornado victims.”

Jenkins added, he would like to thank everyone who donated or helped out with his efforts.

By Kelsey Kimbler

[email protected]

Reach Kelsey Kimbler at 937-683-4061 or on Twitter @KKimbler_RH

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