FLARE Initiative, Inc.

11/26/2024

This page no longer accepts donations, however, if you need help, please reach out and we can try to point you in the direction of services that can help!

11/20/2023

Its the holiday season. Is it the happiest time of the year for you? I hope so!
But, for many, it is not. It is one of the most tragic times. This season is the busiest time for house fires and unfortunately, a number of families lose all their possessions around this time. Unfortunately, just here in Putnam county, we have already had 2 families (that I know of) lose everything just in the month of November.
FLARE Initiative is holding a donation drive to assist these and other families to get back on their feet following this devastating loss. While clothing is always needed after a fire, there are so many other things that can help these families that are not size specific, anything from toiletries and hygiene items to blankets to flashlights to laundry baskets and tote bags.
You can help make a difference in a families recovery by purchasing one extra bottle of shampoo on your next shopping trip, allowing them to save up more money for lodging expenses. Please see the attached flyer for sample items that can greatly impact those hit the hardest this time of year.

To donate, call FLARE Initiative, Inc. at 386-972-4447 or email [email protected] or send us a message on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FLARE.Florida

If you know of a local business who would be willing to serve as a local drop off point for this collection, please contact us!

11/06/2023

Fire / Flood Victim Supply Drive!!!! Nov 11 in Interlachen at Veterans Day Celebration. Other drop off points available as well.

For many, the holiday season is the best time of the year. For others, it can be the most tragic. Unfortunately, with the weather getting colder and the holidays approaching, the number of families that experience devastating house fires tends to rise.

Our charity, FLARE Initiative, Inc. "Finding Light After Recent Emergencies" is here to help those families try to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

We are hosting a collection drive to stock some of the items needed after such a devastating loss. Many people help victims with items such as clothing, but many don't realize the other items which a victim who just lost everything is in need of. We are here to try to fill that need as best as we can.

Often times, these families find themselves living in a hotel or camper following their loss, with very minimal ways to prepare food, wash laundry, stay healthy and without basic everyday supplies. While many of us take for granted that we can go out and buy shampoo or toilet paper when we need it, its very difficult when all of a sudden you need ALL of these basic supplies and you need them all at the same time. Even with a working family, this can be quite a financial burden on top of the stress of the tragedy they just underwent.

We are looking to collect some of these basic supplies to help victims get back on their feet.

Below is a list of sample items that victims are in need of following a devastating loss after fire or flood. If you can pick up just one extra bottle of soap or pack of TP to donate when you shop at the store for your own supplies, you could help a family get back on their feet!

Our first collection point will be at the Interlachen Veterans Day Festival on November 11th, 2023 at Mary Wisham Field off Hwy 315 in Interlachen, (look for the FLARE booth) but we will be collecting at all times and can meet to pick up at other times and places.

FLARE Initiative is a 501c3 organization and all donations made are eligible to be tax deductible. Also, if you know any families that have been devastated by a house fire or similar loss in the recent months, please have them contact our page so we can see how we can help them.

Help be an Emergency FLARE for a local family this season and please contact us on Facebook at FLARE Initiative, Inc. or by phone at (386) 972-4447 call or text.

Here is a sample list of donations that we are collecting:

Hygiene, Toiletries, Medications, etc:
• Toothbrushes/Toothpaste
• Hairbrushes
• Feminine Hygiene items
• Bath towels and washrags and shower scrubbies
• Hand Soap
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Body Wash / Bar Soap
• Deodorant / Antiperspirant
• Elastic hair bands/ scrunchies
• Over The Counter Medications of all types (examples: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Cold/Flu, Aspirin, etc)
• First Aid basics (examples: Band-Aids, Rubbing Alcohol, peroxide, etc)
• Q-Tips / Cotton Balls
• Baby Powder / Different types of Lotion
• Toilet Paper
Cleaning supplies, laundry care, bedding & linens, etc
• Laundry Baskets
• Laundry Detergent
• Blankets / Comforters
• Denatured Alcohol
• Work gloves, Disposable face masks, Caution Tape
• Industrial Strength trash bags
• Kitchen size trash bags
• Disinfectant Spray
• Febreze
• Bed Linens of all sizes
• Bed Pillows
Kitchen items
• Paper or Plastic Disposable Plates, Cups, Utensils
• Napkins or Paper Towels
• Cookware (Pots/Pans, bakeware, pyrex, etc)
• Tupperware (with lids)
• Mixing Bowls
• Cutting Knives / Cutting Board
• Can Opener (manual), Spatula, Serving Spoon
• Small counter-top appliances (examples: microwave, hot plate, toaster oven, blender, air fryer, instant pot, etc)
• Water and Gatorade
• Easy to prepare quick cooking foods (that require minimal materials to prepare)
Other Miscellaneous Supplies
• Spiral or Composition Notebooks and Pens
• Luggage, Backpacks, Large Beach Bags, other misc storage or carrying bags
• Basic phone chargers (both cords and wall plugs)
• Electrical Power Strips
• Coolers to store cold items
• Baby supplies (including Diapers, Baby Wipes, Baby Formula, Baby Food)

10/30/2023

We need a logo!! Anyone artistic interested in donating their time to helping us design a logo for the organization?

Looking for something simple that gives the "light at the end of the tunnel" and emergency FLARE vibes.

Our original idea was the face of a tunnel with like a candle at the end of it, but not sure how to make that show depth. Open to other possibilities too.

10/23/2023

FLARE Initiative, Inc is in immediate need of storage space! We have begun receiving donations to support the cause, including furniture that will be perfect to help people get back on their feet after fires and such.

We are a 501c3 charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible, and the donation of storage space would be tax deductible as well. Is there anyone that has a building or space in Putnam or Alachua County willing to help others by generously donating space to our charity (while we continue to search for a permanent home for the charity) in return for a tax write-off?

FLARE helps people after life changing tragedies or emergencies in our local community. Please help us to help others if you are able.

10/23/2023

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to Ms Deborah for your generous donations! We greatly appreciate it!!!!

10/19/2023

FLARE Initiative will be here supporting our veterans and having a bake sale and raffle to support our cause! Stop by and be sure to say hello!!

Save the Date: Interlachen Veteran's Day Concert! 🎶

Mark your calendars, Interlachen! The Interlachen Word of Mouth and Interlachen Rotary Club are thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated Interlachen Veteran's Day Concert, and it's going to be a day of celebration like no other!

This event promises something for everyone, and it's all in honor of our beloved veterans. Here's what you can expect:

Music: We've lined up an incredible roster of musical talent to keep your toes tapping and hearts full. Enjoy performances by Scotty Sevven, Summer Frost, and the Interlachen Jr/Sr High School band.

Food and Craft Vendors: Satisfy your taste buds and shop for unique, handcrafted items at our vendor stalls. Also vendors such as face painting and game booths!

Guest Speakers: We'll have inspiring speakers sharing their insights and stories, as well as their mission for veterans.

Touch a Truck: The Putnam County Sheriff's Office will be there with a "touch a truck" event, giving everyone a chance to get up close and personal with law enforcement vehicles.

Raffle: You won't want to miss the chance to win a Traeger Pro Series 22 grill, thanks to the generous donation by Faith Life Church. Remember, you must be present to win, so make sure you stay for your chance at this fantastic prize! Other vendor booths will have charity raffles happening as well, so be sure to stop by each booth!

You can also witness the precision and discipline of the IJSHS JROTC Color Guard as they pay tribute to our nation's flag and veterans while the IJSHS Band pays tribute to the National Anthem.

This day is all about coming together as a community to honor and show our appreciation to the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. Let's celebrate their dedication and sacrifice and make this year's Veterans Day truly special.

See you on November 11th at Mary Wisham Field for an unforgettable day of music, games, great food, and heartfelt appreciation for our veterans. Spread the word, bring your family and friends, and I hope to see you there!

10/18/2023

While our mission here at FLARE is to assist residents of Putnam and Alachua counties, we also want to reach out to neighboring communities when able when we hear of people who have had recent emergencies. Although as an organization, we are restricted to helping only in Putnam and Alachua, we encourage individuals to help everyone wherever you can.

That said, a family in Keystone who owns a farm had a fire where they lost their barn and all their animal supplies, which effects their livelihood. If you have any farm supplies you can spare or would like to see more about their situation, it seems there is a GoFundMe page set up here:

Hi, I’m Nicole! A barn fire has brought tragedy for two of the kindest… Nicole Pinto needs your support for A Fire Burned Alex's Horse Barn and Trailer

09/11/2023

We are OFFICIAL!!!

Our application for 501c3 status has been accepted and approved by the IRS as of August 29, 2023.

All donations made to our organization will now be tax exempt and hopefully we will be able to help more people after being affected by their emergency situations.