Nov. 14, 2012 -- The Department of Public Safety and the Westchester County Police Benevolent Association are collecting critically needed supplies this week to bring to residents in southern Queens and Staten Island who are still struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Items being collected for distribution range from household cleaning products to personal care and hygiene items to diapers and children's cold medicines. The county police will fill trucks on Saturday with the donated items and bring them to communities hardest hit by flooding and other devastation from the recent storm.

 Members of the public who would like to support "Operation Code Blue" may drop items off at several locations: Westchester County Police Academy, 2 Dana Road, Valhalla; the Michaelian Office Building, 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains; Westchester County Police North Command, 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor; and the Westchester County Police Airport Precinct, Building 1, Airport Road.

 "I would like to thank our county police officers for their outstanding dedication and commitment to the people of Westchester during Hurricane Sandy. I applaud them for reaching out to help those beyond our borders whose homes and lives were devastated by the storm," County Executive Robert P. Astorino said.

 Public Safety Commissioner George N. Longworth said, "I commend the men and women of the PBA for opening their hearts to the victims of Hurricane Sandy and launching this collection drive. "The Department is proud to support the PBA in this effort."

 Sgt. Michael Hagan, PBA president, said county officers are working with the NYPD and others to identify locations where supplies are badly needed. After making the deliveries on Saturday, he said, county officers will assist NYPD officers in renovating homes that that were badly damaged by the storm.

 Practical items being requested for donation include: Mops, brooms, buckets, garbage bags, work gloves, extension cords, storage bins and containers, paper towels, sponges, toiletries, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, water, juice boxes, children's toys, pillows, blankets, flashlights, batteries, diapers, children's cold medicine, disposable plates and utensils.

Baked goods will be accepted on Saturday at the Police Academy between 9 and 1 a.m.  The trucks will leave at noon.

Some cold weather clothing items can be accepted as part of the relief effort, however the emphasis of this drive is on providing the practical supplies that families need for the cleanup and recovery effort at their homes.