Bayside Community Church in Bradenton offers hurricane relief

On Sept. 8, 15 years ago, Bayside Community Church held its first community outreach project. 

"We stood outside of Walmart and handed out school supplies to people who needed them," said Kristen Becnel, the director of Bayside's creative department. "That was really the beginning of us helping our community. It is the only way we know how to respond."

The church has begun another response.

Bayside Community Church's Manatee, Sarasota and Hardee County campuses mobilized about 340 volunteers Sept. 12 to help anyone in need in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

The church has a relief point at the East Bradenton campus located at 15800 State Road 64 E., Bradenton. The relief point is offering free supplies (food, water, medical supplies, baby formula, diapers) and is also accepting donations. 

The top five donations needed are generators, diapers, baby food, infant formula and dog/cat food.

"We are determined," Becnel said.

"There are a ton of trees down we've been getting calls about. We sent a team to Easter Seals in Sarasota, Buffalo Creek Middle School and Braden River Elementary. We have also been helping the schools clean everything from when they were used as shelters." 

Anyone who is in need of help, even those who need help cleaning up debris on their own property, or those who have any questions regarding donations, can call Bayside Community Church's East Bradenton Campus at 755-8600. 

The church is also giving people the opportunity to sign up for their first responder team on its website.