Help RCDS Faculty - St. Croix

In recent weeks a number of hurricanes have decimated large parts of Texas, Florida and other parts of mainland US as well as the Caribbean islands. All of us know someone in some part of the affected areas and feel drawn to support disaster relief there.

I want to draw your attendtion to the fact that  a number of RCDS Faculty  have family in The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, including:  Dr. DeChabert, Mr. Morgan, Amanda Sackey,  Angela Monti, Lizanne Rosenzweig, Peter Coulianos, Dion Beard, George Zappier, Lynette Gioffre, Barbara Shea and Genevieve Gaubron. Surprised by the number?! I was!

Over the last couple of days RCDS faculty who have family and friends in St. Croix  have established contact with a group on the ground, and there's an emerging plan to send necessary relief supplies to the island as soon as the ports open there, sometime next week. 

 Like me, I know there are others who would want to contribute in some measure to the  faculty's efforts. Your contribution would defray shipping costs and pay for much needed items needed  by residents of St. Croix.

Unlike some of the more touristy islands, St. Croix has not dominated the headlines. Bypassed by Irma, residents of St. Croix helped other nearby islands until it was itself hit by Hurrican Maria. In Maria's aftermath it, has been severly decimated by the wind damage that it sustained. It will takes months for power to be restored, and at least a year for the island to return to normalcy. FEMA is on the ground assisting with the removal of debris and emergency supplies, but there is still very little news coming out of the island.

In two weeks, the money collected will be given to the RCDS Office of Public Purpose and directed to the Faculty/Staff St Croix effort. Everyone who makes a contribution will be mentioned by name.

People are drawn to different causes. If not St. Croix, or in addition to  St. Croix, you might wish to make a direct contribution to established organizations in support of disaster relief in other areas. I will definitely be doing so.

If you prefer to make an in-kind donation, please drop off any of the following items to Jacquie Butera's office in the Upper School:

Batteries of all kinds, especially D!
LifeStraws
Solar and battery-powered lights and flashlights
Mosquito nets and bug repellent
Tents and sleeping bags
Cots
Tarps
Non-perishable food
Baby formula
Coolers
OTC medicines
Chlorine tablets
Camping stoves
Hygiene products
Pet food
Trash bags
Bedding and towels
Reading material
Playing cards and games

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