Last weekend, Hurricane Fiona barreled through Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
The aftermath: massive flooding through both Caribbean islands with widespread power blackouts. More than a million residents are left without power or drinking water as they work together to clean up debris and repair property damages.
Dominican president Luis Abinader has declared disaster zones in three providences: La Altagracia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, and President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in Puerto Rico.
As Fiona continues picking up speed in the Caribbean, local nonprofit organization, Gleaning For The World is gearing up to help those already affected by this storm.
“Our team at Gleaning is always ready to help, but we cannot do it alone,” Gleaning’s president Jeane Smiley-Mason explained. “We’ve been in contact with our Caribbean partners who are requesting supplies to help the victims of this storm. What we need now are the right supplies, and funds, to help fill and ship a container quickly.”
Gleaning For The World will host a supply collection in front of Sam’s Club on Wards Road in Lynchburg, beginning Monday, September 26, and going through Wednesday, the 28.
Collection hours will be 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on all three days.
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The organization is collecting hygiene items, baby supplies, cleanup supplies (trash bags, gloves, etc.), and kitchen and bath paper products.
“We’re asking our supporters to join together in donating these products or financial gifts in an effort to show those affected by Hurricane Fiona that there are people who care about them and not only want to help - but are helping! As the good people in the Caribbean are praying for help, you could be the answer to their prayers,” Smiley-Mason added.
Donated goods and monetary donations can also be dropped off at Gleaning For The World, 7539 Stage Road in Concord.
Checks can be mailed to PO Box 645 Concord, VA 24538, and online donations can be made at GFTW.org.