A local dance studio began collecting donations for victims of Hurricane Helene a few days ago, and since response has been so great, the deadline to drop off items has been extended.

Skyy (Clouser) Boyer, owner of the Dance Factory studios in Hometown and South Tamaqua, called the community’s support “astounding.”

Boyer and her father, Rodney Clouser, started the drive following Hurricane Helene and in the days before Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, causing even more devastation.

“My dad has always had a big heart. He reached out to me asking if we could take it on because after seeing the devastation these families have endured, he knew we could help and make any little difference,” Boyer said.

Boyer reached out to her dance studio families, and as word spread, more and more donations came through.

“With the gratitude we’ve received from the community, we are asking for even more involvement” from churches, hospitals and local stores, she said. “We’ve received so many donations already, and I hope this is just the start.”

Everything collected will be trucked the U.S. Men’s Academy at Blue Mountain Church in Blairsville, Georgia. From there, it will be distributed to those in need.

With response so great, the deadline has been extended to Oct. 25.

Items needed include diapers, wipes, formula, diaper cream, baby necessities, pet food and supplies, feminine hygiene products, blankets and pillows, sleeping bags and tents, first aid kits, Tylenol, ibuprofen, children’s medicine, nonperishable food, cleaning products, contractor size trash bags, flashlights, lighters, batteries, gloves, brooms, shovels and buckets.

They’re also asking for stuffed animals.

“Let’s get together as many as we possibly can,” Boyer said.

Items can be dropped off at the Dance Factory studios at 565 W. Penn Pike (Route 309) in Tamaqua, and 1011 Hunter St. in the village of Hometown.

“There are children, adults, animals, etc. with all of their belongings completely destroyed. We have the power and ability to make a small difference in what they need. The more things they have and are given, the better,” Boyer said.