Group of concerned Bahamians in metro Atlanta have come together to collect supplies for their countrymen who lost everything as a result of Hurricane Joaquin last week. With communication lost to friends and relatives on the island, the independent group decided they simply wanted to help in any way they could.
“My social media pages and phone had been flooded with people asking how to help just because they felt compelled to do so,” explained Arthia Nixon, coordinator and public relations director. “Having access to a lot of the information through my media background, we were able to get on a conference call and decide what to do. We also were in touch with organizers on the ground in The Bahamas who gave us an idea of specific needs. People want to help and we are focused on doing that. We encourage every organization or group that wants to help, to simply put out the call to help. Our core team includes a licensed tax professional, several community outreach personnel and inventory trackers. At the end of the day, we do want donors to see that their items have reached those who need it most.”
Lisa Hawk and Ann-Marie Turner have offered their assistance as community outreach coordinators, ensuring Bahamians are kept in the loop with new information.
“The images are just so devastating,” added Melissa Bevans, coordinator and financial auditor. “We couldn’t sit by and simply do nothing as Bahamians abroad. There are some folks who wanted to donate funds to ship the items to Florida. There are others who wanted to send a few dollars and have us purchase items on our list, and then there are those who requested specific things. As a result, we have set up a Go Fund Me account under the name Atlanta Bahamian Cares, specifically for those purposes. Every action is greatly appreciated.” (https://www.gofundme.com/6k5nw3vg )
“The list is being updated every hour or so,” said director of inventory Megan Lee. “Late last night, our contacts in The Bahamas reminded us about baby formula, bug repellent, batteries, underwear in all sizes, over the counter medicines and the like. Stefan Moss, a Bahamian in Atlanta who is with the Outdoor Afro outdoor group is also working toward efforts in camp gear such as tents, non-electronic items and the rest that might be of immediate use to our Bahamian brothers and sisters who were literally left with only the wet clothes they had on when the storm surge and rain came. We were also reminded about the school supplies, especially school bags for the children. One teacher is offering extra credit to her students who donate.”
The team is planning its first shipment for this week. A member of the Atlanta Bahamas Junkanoo group has confirmed that he will be heading down to Long Island and will be assisting in helping efforts from Atlanta to Florida so items can be shipped.
“I have to give a huge thank you to persons who are a part of associations, clubs, schools and other groups who asked if they can send items on their own,” added Nixon. “We provided them with as many groups we could think of on the ground who are helping and for those who have donated to the Salvation Army or Red Cross and such, we provided them with local chapters in The Bahamas It’s important to remember that in these times, we are not competing to see who can donate the most, we are not focusing on what the other group is doing, we are not debating what political or government affiliation one is with, but we are simply focused on ensuring these people can rebuild as much as possible.”
Persons wishing to donate items in metro Atlanta may call or text Megan Lee (north Atlanta) at 954-513-7419, Melisa Bevans (central Atlanta) at 954-593-9523 and Arthia Nixon (south Atlanta) 404-447-0476.
https://www.gofundme.com/6k5nw3vg
