VALDOSTA — Second Harvest is collecting food and supplies to support wildfire response efforts in Clinch and Echols counties.

Release:

VALDOSTA, GA – APRIL 23, 2026 – Second Harvest of South Georgia is accepting donations to assist in area wildfire response and relief efforts.  Working in partnership with Clinch County and Echols County Emergency Management Agencies, the food bank will act as the central collection point for donated food and supplies.  This effort will reduce the burden on affected areas while making it easier for surrounding communities to help.

Donations will be accepted at Second Harvest’s Valdosta headquarters located at 1836 Piedmont Place Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm.  At this time, the items needed are electrolyte drinks, hydration powders that can be added to water, shower wipes, individually packaged snacks, protein bars, eye drops, bug spray, as well as new bandanas, socks, and t-shirts.  SHSG will be working closely with EMAs and will communicate changes as the situation evolves.

Second Harvest encourages all groups collecting donations to coordinate through this centralized system.  By working together, individuals and organizations can ensure that affected areas get the right supplies when and where they are needed most.   SHSG will sort, package and deliver supplies in a way that saves time, labor, and resources on the ground in affected communities.  This consolidation will help reduce traffic in these areas – increasing safety and protecting both responders and the public. 

By organizing donations and combining them into manageable loads, SHSG can deliver based on the real-time needs communicated through the EMAs.  Donations will be stored in Second Harvest’s Valdosta warehouse until they are needed, freeing up space in response facilities for crucial equipment.  

“The goal of this coordinated effort is to make it possible for affected communities to focus on response and recovery instead of sorting and organizing incoming donations,” said Second Harvest CEO Frank Richards.  “We are glad to be able to help lighten the load on our friends in Echols and Clinch counties.” 

To make a financial contribution in lieu of food and supplies, visit FeedingSGA.org/wildfire or text WILDFIRE to 229-592-4172.

ITEMS NEEDED:Hydration powdersElectrolyte drinksIndividually wrapped snacksBug sprayEye dropsNew bandanasNew crew socks & new t-shirts

DROP-OFF DETAILS:1836 Piedmont PlaceValdosta, GA 31601Monday – Saturday8 am – 5 pm

DONATION CONTACT:Noah RichardsNRichards@FeedingSGA.org(888) 453-4143 x 4001

About Second Harvest of South Georgia

Second Harvest of South Georgia is committed to alleviating hunger and strengthening communities through food distribution, partnerships, and disaster response efforts across the region.  SHSG serves 26 counties and is the largest rural food bank in Georgia.  Headquartered in Valdosta, the organization has locations in Thomasville and Tifton.  For more information about our programs and how to get involved, visit us online at www.feedingsga.org or call 888-453-4143.