Students Donate to Hurricane Relief Effort in Bahamas

After Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas earlier this month, the University of Arkansas is providing opportunities for students to assist in aid efforts.

The International Student Organization and Bahamian students will host a drive through the end of this moth to raise funds and most needed items — including cleaning supplies, toiletries and non-perishable foods. Donations can be dropped off in the ISO office on the sixth floor of the Union in room A643 and in the Holocombe residence hall.

The category 5 storm, which hit two main islands in the Bahamas in early September, killed more than 50 people and left thousands of others homeless or displaced. Communities are still working to clean up the wreckage, restore power and find shelter and resources for residents of Grand Bahama and Abaco.

For students eager to help in other ways, the Bahamian government offers a list of registered agencies with most-needed items and ways to donate directly to the organizations. Charity Navigator also ranks organizations working on the ground and provides ways to donate money directly to those in need.

Angela Oxford, the Director of the Center for Community Engagement reminds those interested in responding to consider the following:

• Stay away from the disaster area. Only trained disaster response volunteers are needed during the first weeks of a disaster like this.  Untrained volunteers are a liability — and possibly a danger — during disaster response. 
• Send money: This is the best way to assist. Until a response agency asks for specific items, money is the best way to assist. Supplies can be purchased and money can pay for the transport of the goods into the community. Programs like Red Cross can distribute funds to those in need or assist with housing, clothing and other essential items. Make donations only reputable non-profit agencies with 501c3 status. 
• Give blood: Local blood centers are taxed during natural disasters, it's a great way to help and it truly can help save lives.
• Watch for volunteer opportunities later on. There will be chances for volunteers to help during the rebuilding process.

For more information on the ISO drive contact Tenaj Russell, tarussel@uark.edu, 754-317-2301.