Beach Chamber teams up with Stokes Marine to send supplies to The Bahamas
Stokes Marine has teamed up with the Chamber of Commerce of Fort Myers Beach to get donations to the storm-devastated Bahamas.
Stokes has sent several boats of supplies to date and is getting ready to send more, if supplies keep coming in.
The requested goods for the affected islands in the Bahamas include water, canned goods, manual can openers, toilet paper, and paper towels. Feminie hygiene products, along with baby supplies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, flashlights and mosquito repellent and sprays are also needed.
The Chamber has embraced the efforts.
“I’m so floored by this community’s ability to help those in need; we keep getting enough to fill our office daily, and I want to make sure we can continue to help by getting these donations where they need to go,” said Jacki Liszak, president of Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
Early estimates of the damage from various insurance and governmental agencies ranges anywhere from $6 billion to $7 billion.
The death toll, as of Monday, had risen to 45 but, as with in the wake of most hurricanes, it is expected to rise drastically. With the living situation and destruction on the island desperate, donations of cash and goods are much-needed.
“We’ve really seen a huge pouring out of love from the community. Every day we’re collecting enough supplies to run a truck or two full down to Stokes for packaging,” said Sherry Oakes, chamber membership director.
The Kiwanis Club has donated several rounds of goods, purchasing large lots from Costco, of above $400, according to Chamber staff.
No end date has currently been set for the donation drive and donations continue to be accepted during the chamber’s business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The chamber is at 2450 Estero Blvd. They can be contacted at 239-454-7500.