Christian Social Ministries, Bulloch County Emergency Management, Bulloch County Sheriff’s Department, and Fostering Bulloch are partnering to collect and distribute relief supplies in the wake of hurricane Dorian.
The destruction and devastation in the aftermath of Dorian calls on our community to do what it does best…. help those in need. Items needed are:
- Cleaning Supplies
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Hygiene products
- Non-perishable food items
- Cash cards from retailers for distribution clearly indicating “Relief Hurricane Dorian”.
NO USED CLOTHING ITEMS PLEASE
Drop points include:
- Christian Social Ministries on East Parrish and College Plaza, Statesboro, GA
- Fostering Bulloch at N. Walnut and Elm Street, Statesboro, GA
- Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office or Bulloch County Emergency Ops Center, 301 North, Statesboro, GA.
- Synovus Bank Statesboro
- Morris Bank Statesboro
- Weichert Realtors, Bypass at Northside Drive
- Kiwanis Fairgrounds Main Entrance
Also, we have identified a group of GSU students who are from the Bahamas whose homes have been destroyed by the storm.
A small group came together at the EOC to talk with the students and determine what their needs are.
I wish each of you had been in the room and listened to their powerful stories, their fears for their family and concern about functioning here with their families homes and community devastated. We learned in this meeting that there are 19 students from the Bahamas effected on the GSU campus. There are 13 more here attending the Scoutz Sports Academy owned by Tony Ross. There may be more at Armstrong and Liberty campuses.
Each of the students have had some contact with their families. Some have lost family members but all of their parents survived. We are gathering a list of supplies that they are receiving from their parents and will continue to push out those needs. John Long and Chris Yaughn are coordinating drop points and collection of donations.
Paul Deem with Direct line ministry on Stockyard road is going to house the collections and help prepare them for shipping hopefully by container.
We are in the process of identifying and reaching out to each of the students and collecting list of immediate needs.
We have had members of the community put together private air and boat transportation to take as many of the students back home as possible so they can reunite with their family and take as many things as they can with them. Navigating this effort will be difficult and they are working on creative options to help get the kids home as soon as possible – if even for a day so they can see their family.
At the meeting the students were concerned about basic survival, money for food, rent, school. The financial system is down and may be so for weeks.
One of the student leaders cried hysterically when she learned that all of these people wanting to help them. They have been so concerned about the path forward.
We have learned that several of the cruise lines are taking ships with supplies daily and returning to Miami. Chris has come up with an idea of getting suitcases donated and filling them with supplies. Then getting them on the cruise ships and to the ports. The students and our groups are being as creative as possible to get help to them.
God has opened a door of opportunity for all of us to make a tremendous impact on a few families who have trusted us with their children.