Natural Disaster Relief

Hurricanes Helene and Milton Relief

Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and other Southeastern states have been devastated by the effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Ocean State Job Lot collected donations to help them get through these challenging times. Through the support of you, our loyal customers, we sent 20 tractor trailers worth of needed supplies valued at over $2 million. These tractor trailers were filled with loads of various items that the folks affected by the hurricanes desperately needed, such as: cleaning supplies, organic baby food, gas fire pits, shoes and clothing for folks of all ages as well as a bunch of much needed furniture. With the help of our partners on the ground there, the United Cajun Navy, most of this product has already been placed in the hands of those who truly need it. From all of us at Ocean State Job Lot, thank you for your generosity and support.

Hurricane Idalia Relief

When Hurricane Idalia hit the Gulf Coast of Florida and Georgia during late August and early September 2023, Ocean State Job Lot stepped in to provide help to those families affected by the storm’s impact. 

We were able to collect donations and send eight tractor trailers filled with multiple essential supplies including clothing, shoes, gloves, and sanitizing wipes to help them start the road to recovery.

Flooding in Vermont and New Hampshire

In July 2023, parts of Vermont and New Hampshire saw devastating flood waters from torrential rainfall. Although none of our Ocean State Job Lot stores or associates were affected, our Charitable Foundation stepped up to supply an 18-wheeler full of personal protective equipment (PPE), including sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer, to the Ludlow, VT Rotary. The products were then distributed through community centers in surrounding Vermont towns, including Mount Holly, Cavendish, Proctorsville, and Plymouth. With the support of Rotary District Governor Angela Ponte; Ludlow Rotary President Thomas Ray; Nancy Hampton-Beeley, a long-time Rotarian and Ocean State Job Lot associate; and many volunteers who assisted with the donation distribution, thousands of people in need received PPE.

Crisis Relief 

Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Whether near or far, at Ocean State Job Lot we take pride in being able to assist others in times of disaster and uncertainty.

Below are recent pictures of some of the many tents which have been sent to Syrian refugees, thanks to the generosity of our customers, our associates, and our community partners. These photos were sent to us by members of the Multifaith Alliance, a leading responder to the Syrian refugee crisis.

The devastation in Turkey and Syria reached a critical point in February 2023, with thousands of lives lost and neighborhoods left in ruin.

Together with our customers, we were able to send $1 million in supplies, including blankets, coats, cold weather clothing, hygiene products, and outdoor tents from our distribution center in North Kingstown, Rhode Island to assist individuals and families in need.

War in Ukraine

Thanks to the generosity of our customers, and our friends at the New England Patriots, The Kraft Foundation, and Partners for World Health, six tractor-trailer shipments of frontline medical supplies, health and hygiene products, nutritious food and warm clothing have been delivered to Ukraine.

Recently, the OSJL Charitable Foundation donated 1,000 backpacks to be sent to Ukraine to help those in need to carry essential items. One of the organizations that received the backpacks, Ukraine Forward, took the time to express their gratitude with a letter and a photo.

Six tractor-trailers of frontline medical supplies to Ukraine

Ocean State Job Lot tractor-trailers transported supplies to Port Handy, New Jersey, where they were airlifted to Poland and subsequently distributed throughout Ukraine by our European partners, including Razom.