Here on the Gulf Coast, our collective hearts have been hurting with every mention of Dorian and its devastating impacts on The Bahamas. On the Abaco Islands, the Category 5 storm basically stalled and pummeled the islands longer than even the best-built structures could endure. It's heartbreaking to look at pictures. It's heartbreaking to see people trying to get the basic necessities of life while they rebuild theirs.
But we can provide a glimmer of hope. The people of The Bahamas are our close neighbors, and right now, Americans are showing plenty of neighborly love and concern. Like the guy who purchased nearly $50,000 of generators at Costco, and put them on a ship for our neighbors in need. Here on the Gulf Coast, we have a unique opportunity to provide relief because of our Port. Ships depart for the Bahamas all the time, and the Alabama State Port Authority is taking donations right now to help those who've been impacted. They'll containerize the donations, and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) will deliver them to where your donations will do the most good.
Here's the full list of supplies being requested:
- WATER – bottled or jugs
- Canned Foods / Peanut Butter
- Dry Box/Bag Foods
- Batteries D, C, AA, AAA
- Basic medicines (over the counter)
- First Aid Kits
- Toilet Paper / Paper Towels
- Mosquito repellent
- Mops / Brooms
- Bleach / Pine Sol
- Rags / Socks / Towels
- Buckets
- Disinfectant Wipes / Hand Sanitizers
- Women’s hygiene
- Non-perishable Baby Food / Diapers
You can drop off those supplies at one of these two locations:
- APM Terminals, 901 Ezra Trice Blvd
- Alabama State Port Authority, 250 N Water Street
Get your donation in by Thursday 9/12 at 5PM. The damage is great, but a crisis usually brings out the best in people. Let's fill a container, or two or three. Remember, it's a ship... so there's plenty of room for your donation.
Photo Source: US Coast Guard via Wikipedia
