How to help with hurricane relief in the Bahamas

Several groups in Southwest Florida are working together to collect goods for Bahamas hurricane relief.

Hurricane Dorian pounded Grand Abaco Island and Grand Bahama as a menacing Category 5, sitting stationary over the island for hours upon hours.

Tragic video from the islands show complete devastation. The footage of Dorian left All Out Bail Bonds owner Maria Paterno in disbelief.

“It’s my home away from home,” Paterno said. “I’m pretty devastated.”

Paterno took action, turning her small office into a donation site. People from all over have filled it up all for the victims of Dorian.

Paterno and a former business partner have coordinated at least five boats to leave from Miami on Friday.

Tiffany Pereira, a family friend, was one of the people dropping off supplies. She spent the afternoon helping load the trailer. They still need items like insect spray and first aid supplies.

“Were all supposed to do what we can to help each other right now,” Pereira said.

While Southwest Florida dodged the storm, All Out Bail Bonds and other Floridian’s are collecting donations to help the Bahamian people.

LOCATING FAMILY: If you need help locating people in the Bahamas contact the Bahamas Consulate General’s Office at (305)373-6295.

MORE: Bahamas Consulate General Miami Facebook Page

The Bahamanian government warns “under no circumstances should any private vessel try and reach the islands at this time.” The current efforts are to get people OUT of the impacted areas of the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama.

Here’s some ways you can help.

DONATIONS

• Bahamas Red Cross
• Official Bahamas Relief

Lee County

Six Mile Charter Academy
6851 Lancer Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33912
*Accepting donations 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

All Out Bail Bonds
2220 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Ft. Myers, fl. 33901
*Now until Sept 5th, daily until 5:00 p.m.

Sky Zone
14181 S Tamiami Trail #140
Fort Myers, FL 33912
*Collecting relief supplies and donations. To collect as many items as possible, the trampoline park will be extending free 120-Minute Jump Passes to everyone who donates an item on Wednesday, September 4, 2019. However, donations will be accepted through the remainder of the week.

Cape Fear Little League
Sundowners flying club says they will be doing deliveries from Page Field our supplies to go strait to the islands. Click here for drop-off locations.