The devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas has left thousands of Bahamians without homes, food, water, and basic supplies. Here at the YMCA of Central Florida, one of our five core values is caring. We invite everyone in our community to join us in living this value and participating in our emergency relief effort for the Bahamas by donating to our supply drive and/or making a financial contribution to the YMCA of Grand Bahama, which was significantly impacted by the hurricane.
#1: Donate Supplies at a Participating YMCA. Please drop off the following new or gently used items to a participating YMCA Family Center by September 18:
Items to Donate:
- Bottled water (new)
- Baby products
- Feminine products (new)
- All toiletries (new)
- Cleaning products
- Clothes (adult, youth, and infant)
- Shoes (adult, youth, and infant)
- Household essentials (e.g. batteries, flashlights, candles, etc.)
- Bar soap and sanitizers (new)
Participating YMCA Family Centers:
- South Orlando YMCA Family Center
- Downtown Orlando YMCA Family Center
- Oviedo YMCA Family Center
- Douglas Williams YMCA Family Center
- Blanchard Park YMCA Family Center
- Roper YMCA Family Center
- Avalon Park YMCA Family Center
#2. Give to the YMCA of Grand Bahama. The YMCA of Grand Bahama was severely impacted by Hurricane Dorian and also needs our help to rebuild so that they can continue serving their community. From YMCA of the USA:
On Wednesday September 4, YMCA of the USA established contact with Ms. Karon Pinder Johnson, CEO of the YMCA of Grand Bahama. She reported that all YMCA staff are accounted for and safe. Seventy percent of the Grand Bahama island was covered in water. There is no power or running water across the island. The YMCA is flooded, 75% of the roof is damaged, all five pool pumps and three heat pumps (AC) are lost due to flooding, treadmills and elliptical machines are underwater, office furniture is wet, perimeter fencing is down and the dugouts for the soccer and baseball fields were destroyed. Fortunately, the main building is still standing.
Financial contributions are the most effective way to help at this time. YMCA of the USA will officially launch a World Service appeal in coordination with the Latin American and Caribbean Alliance of YMCAs and the World Alliance of YMCAs as soon as a plan of action is in place. In the meantime, donations are being gratefully accepted and 100% of your support will be sent to the YMCA of Grand Bahama.
Online: Please write YMCA Bahamas in the Comments/Special Instructions box
Mail: Please write YMCA Bahamas in the Comments/Special Instructions box
Phone: Call 312-419-8177
For additional information, please contact Chad Garmon, Vice President of Community Engagement & Christian Initiatives.
Photos courtesy of YMCA of the USA.