To advertise the three-week drive for supplies to help the people of the Bahamas, members of Cub Scout Pack 106 made posters before the Ministry Fair. Photo courtesy of Cub Scout Pack 106

Cub Scout Pack 106 at St. Stephen’s Church, Lakeland, spent three weeks collecting supplies for those in the Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian. Scouts brought donations to the meetings on Sept. 9, 16, and 23. They also set up a table for the cause at the parish’s Ministry Fair on Sunday, September 8.

Pack Secretary Tana Diaz and Pack Leader Kimberly Hellmuth brought the idea of helping with Hurricane Relief to the Pack. “The boys wanted to help the people who have been affected by the hurricane,” explains Diaz. “They were excited that collecting everyday things that we always have in our home would be a huge blessing to those who lost everything.” 

The Scouts collected non-perishable food, baby wipes, diapers, toilet paper, mops, brooms, buckets, sponges, toiletries, sanitary napkins, tarps, cleaning wipes, and paper towels.

Supplies were loaded into Diaz’s van and delivered to a drop-off site.  Photo by Tana Diaz

Diaz adds, “Our hearts and prayers go out to all in the Bahamas who were torn down to the ground. Our hearts were broken to see what devastation mentally and physically that these people had to endure.”

If you would like to help with relief efforts, please go to www.agapeflights.com/donate and choose relief fund or mail checks to Agape Flights, 100 Airport Ave., Venice, FL 34285-3901.

St. Peter the Fisherman’s donations are boxed up and ready for loading into the U-Haul. Photo courtesy of St. Peter the Fisherman

Parishioners at St. Peter the Fisherman, New Smyrna Beach, collected supplies for the victims of Hurricane Dorian. “We asked YETI Coolers to consider donating coolers to those in the Bahamas,” explains Fr. John Spencer, rector. “Under the circumstances, these coolers would be incredibly handy to help keep temperature-sensitive medicines cool, as well as provide the victims with some of the modern comforts that they may no longer have.” ​

Spencer and Sr. Warden Don Schubert delivered the collected donations and coolers to Stuart. IDEA Relief and Abaco Alliance transported them to the Bahamas by boat. 

Photos courtesy of St. Peter the Fisherman

Spencer is also flying down to the islands at the beginning of November to help bring some more supplies and start working on a long-term solution for the rebuild. “I am personally working closely on a few different support projects,” Spencer explains. “We have a personal connection through Hopetown Fire & Rescue and are working hard to put boots on the ground to help victims of this tragedy. Please keep in mind that this is a very fluid situation. Needs change every day, and the recovery process will take several years.”

If you would like to donate to the cause, please send donations or checks to St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church, 4220 Saxon Dr.,  New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168. Please put “Abaco Hope Project” in the memo.

One of the Missionary Flight International planes receives fuel before it is filled with the supplies collected by parishioners at St. Simon the Cyrenian and other parishes. Photo by Fr. John Liebler

Parishioners at St. Simon the Cyrenian, Ft. Pierce, collected diapers and paper goods for the survivors of Hurricane Dorian. “We were able to partner with Missionary Flights International to get the supplies to the Bahamas,” says Fr. Jim Liebler, rector of St. Simon the Cyrenian. “My wife and I drove them to their hangar here in Ft. Pierce.” 

Supplies donated by St. Simon the Cyrenian and other parishes are stored in the hangar of Missionary Flights International, awaiting the next flight out to the Bahamas. Photos by Fr. John Liebler

Hurricane Dorian relief is very personal to us,” explains Liebler. “The parish was founded by people who emigrated from the Bahamas. Many of them still have family in Freeport.”​

With the safety of family members always on their minds, the parish prays for them by name. “Our parishioners have gathered the names of people they are connected to in the Bahamas,” says Liebler. 

Many of the parishioners have voiced an interest in going on a rebuilding mission. “I decided early on that I wanted to be a part of the rebuilding phase,” says Liebler. “I’m looking for a way to do this mission.”

If you are interested in helping rebuild the Bahamas or would like to donate to the cause, please send Liebler an email frjjohnliebler@gmail.com.