Hurricane Dorian has left a path of near complete destruction across the islands of the northern Bahamas. As search and rescue authorities continue their frantic efforts to find stranded victims, the scale of human suffering is becoming overwhelmingly clear. If you want to help those devastated in the Bahamas, here is how.
#BahamasStrong
Organizations listed on this page have been approved by the Government of the Islands of the Bahamas. The page also lists suggested drop-off sites in the U.S., and a comprehensive list of of items that are needed by those affected by Hurricane Dorian: https://www.bahamas.com/relief?fbclid=IwAR2SYL3QTe2yA6eP5fF9TJ9GfkoLigJNHp-463H1CzKompQ4e3OVThwDzCk
Red Cross
The American Red Cross provides emergency assistance and disaster relief on a broad scale, and has already established an online site for donating at this link.
The Bahamas Red Cross is accepting emergency supplies and donations through its office at this link: https://bahamasredcross.org/
Royal Caribbean and Pan American Development Foundation
Royal Caribbean International is partnering with the Pan American Development Foundation to accept donations. All donations will support the recovery and reconstruction of Bahamian communities. Royal Caribbean will match all donated funds up to $500,000. Visit this link.
Additional International Relief Organizations
Lend a Hand Bahamas is an independent Bahamian nonprofit that provides a wide array of programming for youth, adults, and senior citizens in the Bahamas. It is a partner organization of 4H, and is endorsed through the University of Florida IFAS Extension.
Rotary International has a large number of clubs throughout Florida and the Caribbean whose members are collecting needed supplies to fill four 20-foot containers that will ship as early as Sept. 6. Cash donations are also accepted at this link: https://rotary6990.org/bahamas-hurricane-dorian-relief/
HeadKnowles, the leading hurricane relief foundation in the Bahamas since 2015, has organized a $10 million GoFundMe fundraiser at this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/headknowles-emergency-funds?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet.
Save the Children, an international nonprofit dedicated to giving children a healthy start in life, is accepting cash donations at this link.
The Winslow Family and the Sands Family Foundation, in partnership with the Hope Town Volunteer Fire Department, are organizing a GoFundMe fundraiser to benefit residents of Elbow Cay.
Collection Points on the UF Campus
The Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at the University of Florida is staging a Bahama Relief Collection for cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods and other emergency relief supplies at 1000 SW 9th St. Call Damon Veras at 305.244.1105, or email him at damon.veras@ufl.edu for more information.
The Black Student Law Association, in partnership with the Caribbean Students Law Association, is staging a Hurricane Relief Drive for non-perishable supplies from Sept. 5 through Sept. 17. Drop-off locations are Bruton-Geer Hall, the UF law library, and the UF Law Commons area. Visit their Facebook page for more information at this link.
Gigi Moore-Higgs, who oversees the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinical Trials Office in the UF Health Cancer Center, is collecting children’s clothing items and shipping them through a charitable organization with on-the-ground operations in the Bahamas. Organizers are looking specifically for gently used children’s clothing (ages infant to 16 years of age); children’s flip flops and sneakers in good condition; unopened new packages of children’s underwear; and hats and ball caps. Visit this link for complete details. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations through Sept. 20.
- UFHCC Administrative Office – CGRC Room 145
- Gigi’s office – MSB 351/352
- Peds HemOnc Office – HD-204
- Office of Clinical Research – Shepard Broad Building Room 106
- Lobby of the Clinical & Translational Research Building
Emergency Fund Established for Faculty and Staff
At the University of Florida, the “Aid-a-Gator” emergency funding program has been established to provide limited assistance to UF faculty and staff who are experiencing a temporary and unforeseen financial hardship due to events such as hurricanes. To learn more, including how you can make a donation to Aid-a-Gator or to apply for assistance, visit http://hr.ufl.edu/aidagator.
Collection Points in Gainesville
The Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County, 2661 NW 51st St., is collecting emergency supplies (including bottled water and canned foods) as well as personal care products, mosquito repellant and blankets. More details are available on the organization’s Facebook page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/BGCAlachua/photos/a.182776486440/10156246584596441/?type=3&theater
Sunday, Sept. 8, the El Mercado Latino event at First Magnitude Brewing Company will be collecting hurricane relief supplies from 3-9 pm. 1220 SE Veitch Street Gainesville, FL.
Maple Street Biscuit Company, with locations at 3904 SW Archer Road and in the Tioga Town Center in Newberry is serving as a drop-off location. For every donation of two or more items, patrons will receive a complimentary iced cinnamon biscuit and cup of drip coffee.
If you learn of a location or student group organizing relief supplies for Hurricane Dorian victims, please submit them to Dorothy Zimmerman at dozimmer@ufl.edu, and they will be added to this list.