Barrels for Bethel Family

Michael Bethel is a friend and colleague whose family (87 uncles, aunts and cousins) lives on the Caribbean island of Dominica.  A few days ago, category five Hurricane Maria quite literally destroyed the island, cutting all power and running water, leaving tens of thousands of people isolated from their neighboring islands and the mainlands.

NBC news described it as a "war zone" of destruction (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/hurricane-maria-damages-dominica-s-main-hospital-leaves-war-zone-n803711). 

Since the hurricane hit Dominica, the Bethel family in the US and Canada, have been unable to contact family members and are relying on social media for updates.  It’s been a scary and frustrating time for the family. 

Today Michael learned that his uncle is missing, and still waits to hear that other family members are safe. 

Michael and his mother are currently creating barrels and sending them to family, friends, and others in need on Dominica.  These are 55 gallon UN certified shipping drums that are being filled with clothing, children’s toys, OTC medicines (ie, Band-Aids, Tylenol, etc.) and basic necessities (ie, toothpaste, diapers, etc). 

Please consider donating.  All funds will go toward filling as many barrels as possible and shipping them to the Bethel family and other residents of Dominica.   If you have "goods" that you prefer to donate, please contact me directly via the messaging feature.