Local business seeking to help those hit by Harvey

Johnston Sun Rise ·

Wherever and whenever there’s a need, chances are likely you’ll find Lori Boffi’s heart and help.

“I need to help; I need to do something to make a difference,” said the long serving fund raiser who has assisted many local non-profits with cancer related events and most recently a campaign to build a multi-use playground for handicapped children. “I see what those people are going through and look around; I am very grateful for what I have.”

Boffi, who owns and operates Cardsmart in the Town Hall Plaza located at 1507 Atwood Ave. in Johnston, was referring to the devastation and destruction in Texas caused by Hurricane Harvey.

“What would you do or where would we go?” the Johnston businesswoman asked. “If we were in their shoes…stop and think; they might not even have shoes…oh my goodness, the little things we take for granted.”

Because Boffi is concerned and wants to help those in need, she will host a Texas Relief Drive today and tomorrow at Cardsmart in Johnston.

“If we collect one item or one thousand items, it still will be a help to the families that have been devastated by Hurricane Harvey,” she said. “Everyone from the President to big corporations to small business owners is asking others to pitch in and help; it’s the least we can do for our fellow Americans in a time of despair.”

Boffi is hoping people will drop off new cleaning and rebuilding supplies at Cardsmart during the 2-day Texas Relief Drive.

On Monday afternoon, Boffi said that “we’re hoping to collect rubber gloves, work gloves, trash bags, mopes, buckets, paper towels, baking soda, cleaning rags, paint brushes, disinfectant wipes, sponges, spray bottles and tape.”

She said the drive and collection would begin at 10 a.m. today and tomorrow and continue through 6 p.m. when Cardsmart closes for the day. Boffi said that all items collected will be taken to a Cardi’s Furniture location on Saturday and will be part of a huge load of goods delivered to locations in Texas courtesy of Paul Arpin Van Lines.

The popular proprietor who is also well-known for her themed Bake Sales that feature many different creations she and her family members make from scratch, will hold a Texas Relief Bake Sale tomorrow, Sept. 8, and all proceeds will be donated to the relief effort. For more information call 270-5291.