Hurricane relief for Water Island

On September 6th, Hurricane Irma ripped through the Caribbean, devestating The British and U.S. Virgin Islands before making her way up to Florida. When she hit St. Thomas and our little island, Water Island, she was a catagory 5+  with sustained winds of 180 with gusts up to 220. Many homes were lost, many roofs gone, and many spirits discouraged. Thank goodness everyone survived the storm, but our backbone is gone. Both (and only) businesses on Water Island were wiped out, with little remains, and St. Thomas was hit even harder.
This was our beach resturaunt, Heidi's Honeymoon Grill. 
    Then, the unimaginable happened. The Virgin Islands scrambled to prepare for the next catagory 4 hurricane, Maria.  She hit on the morning of Wednesday, the 20th. The wind whipped in the opposite direction as Irma, and more damage was imminent. Everyone is scared the relief projects will slow, and Water Island could be even more forgotten. 


With tourism as the island's main source of income, there will be no money flowing into the economy for years. Many people have already evacuated, searching for a new life. When hurricane Marilyn hit the islands in 1995, power was out for 6 months, supplies for rebuild were near impossible to get, and food and water weren't able to get to the island. It took over 10 years to bounce back. This storm was even worse, but thank goodness technology is making a difference. We can communicate with loved ones via cell phone, by walking a half mile to the top of a hill where there is partial phone service. Water Island is projected to be without power for 4 months or more. With these funds, we will be able to get necessary resources to sustain short-term and long-term survival such as tarps, building supplies, roofing materials, chainsaws, alternative energy sources, food, water, medication, clothing, toys, generators, and gasoline. This money will go towards reviving, cleaning,and rebuilding an entire community and island currently in shambles. 

The USVI are a chain of United States territories that are often forgotten, but known as "America's Paradise". Please help raise money to getting this stunning island and its residents back on its (bare)feet, and to secure a beautiful vacation paradise for visitors for years to come.  Remember to stay positive! Thank you! Every penny helps! 
My name is Colleen Davis and I live on Water Island but am currently stateside to help as much as I can. I am in charge of making and withdrawing this money to help the whole community. I have sent four huge boxes full of goods, food, first aid, and even games to St. Thomas so far. They are on the way! Building supplies for homes on WI are also in those boxes, with more coming soon. We have even organized an emergency evacuation for two people in St. Croix. As this money is coming in, I am spending it! Your dollars are making a huge difference RIGHT NOW!