SOUTHERN MARYLAND — What began as a small idea to support hurricane relief efforts has blossomed into a massive community-driven operation spearheaded by Brandy Turnbull and her Facebook group, “SOMD Hurricane Relief and Recovery Coordination.”
Turnbull, along with local organizations and businesses, has mobilized Southern Maryland residents to collect and deliver over 100,000 pounds of donations to hurricane-affected areas in North Carolina and Tennessee. The effort started on Sept. 30, when Turnbull partnered with Ridge Lions Club, American Legion Post 255, and Knights of Columbus to deliver 42,000 pounds of donations.
“When I got back, I thought it was going to be a one-and-done for me,” Turnbull shared. “But I woke up to 20 messages from people still wanting to donate. That’s when I created the Facebook page and decided to continue.”
Through partnerships with businesses such as Shepherd’s Old Field Market in Leonardtown and volunteers like Lorressa Dawn Robinson of Clinton Fence Company, Turnbull organized subsequent drives, sending multiple truckloads of essential supplies. Businesses including Freckled Poppy Boutique, Smith’s Small Engine Repair, and Wildwood Barbecue contributed donations ranging from clothing to generators, while local volunteers clocked in countless hours packing and loading trucks.
Now, Turnbull is hosting a final fundraiser—a raffle featuring unique prizes such as a mason jar of honey from her apiary, a charcuterie board with a gift card donated by Hailey Hicks of Hicks Family Creations LLC, and a mirrored jewelry box. The raffle runs through Tuesday, Dec. 17, with tickets available for $2 each or three for $5. The drawing will be live-streamed on the group’s Facebook page at 8 p.m.
“This community has been absolutely amazing,” Turnbull said. “It could not have been a successful operation without every local business and volunteer coming together.”
While this marks the conclusion of Turnbull’s efforts for now, she emphasizes that the need for relief continues. “If there are any local organizations continuing efforts through the winter, please find the Facebook page and reach out. We want to ensure no truck heads down half-full,” she urged.
For more information about the raffle or to purchase tickets, visit the SOMD Hurricane Relief and Recovery Coordination Facebook page.
Raffle Details
- Tickets: $2 each or three for $5
- Prizes: Mason jar of honey, 10×10 charcuterie board with a $40 gift card, mirrored jewelry box
- Deadline: Tuesday, December 17, 6 p.m.
- Live Drawing: 8 p.m. on Facebook
The funds raised through the raffle will be split to support 2 Creating Brighter Days Outreach & Missions and Ian Stone with North East Disaster Relief as they continue relief efforts. North East Disaster Relief is based out of WV, PA, and MD.
Turnbull extended a special thanks to Laura Mae, Cindy Lang of Kinder Smart, Manuela Hudson of Just Serve, Jeanette “JJ” Zander of 2 Creating Brighter Days Mission and Outreach, and Dawn Campbell of Shepherd’s Old Field Market for their support in making these relief efforts possible.
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