From Thursday, August 30, to Tuesday, September 12, 2017, the most intense and catastrophic hurricance in a decade terrorized the Caribbean and Southeastern United States. Irma was an extremely powerful (Cape Verde-type) hurricane, unseen since Dean in 2007.
The following locations illustrate the vast swath of Irma’s destruction: Cuba; Florida; Bahamas; Turks and Caicos Islands; Guadeloupe; Saint Martin; U. S. Virgin Islands; Barbuda; Greater Antilles; Leeward Islands.
Sail boats reflect damage in Key West, FL, on September 11. The flooded homes are on Saint Martin.
Two Morrison, IL, women, Lorraine Best (815-590-3732) and Christine Stage (563-503-8154), are continuing a local support effort, which began with Hurricane Harvey. Everyone can join this cause or continue giving. Stage runs a non-profit called “Helping the Less Fortunate/Disaster Relief “ on Facebook.
“We need a lot of things, basically anything and everything,” stated Best on about this second human crisis. The American Red Cross does not want clothing donations. Storing, sorting, and dispersing is a burden. Purchase the following and drop them at the locations below:
- batteries
- water
- diapers and cleansing wipes
- toiletries, toothbrushes and paste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
- blankets and wash cloths
- money donations to ship/drive items to the American Red Cross or Salvation Army.
Items may be dropped now at the following residences. They will be moved to a storage unit before being given to the American Red Cross. If necessary, volunteers are ready to drive the donations to Texas.
- Lorraine Best, front porch, 205 W. North Street, Morrison
- Joe Bramm, front porch, 205 E. Winfield Street, Morrison
- Theresa Davis, 418 Middle Road, Camanche, IA
- Verna Stage, 2109 4th Street, Fulton, IL
- York Baptist Church, in Thomson, IL, Sunday, September 3, from 2:00 to 5:00 and Monday, September 4, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Rhonda McKenzie will pick up your donation if you cannot take it to the above locations. Call her at 563-503-2343.