Support for Puerto Rico APAIS staff
Donation protected
I work from home (in South Carolina) as a contract biologist for the NOAA Access Point Angler Intercept Survey in Puerto Rico , and in this role I coordinate a field staff of 13 other contracted scientists who collect angler surveys on the island. I've had the pleasure of working with these people for 2 years now, and they are in dire need of help in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
All areas of the island have been devastated by the hurricane. Means of communication are almost non-existant, with 95% of cell towers down and radio and landline telephone service severely diminished. I have only heard from 5 of my 13 staff members thus far. The messages I have received have relayed the widespread destruction apparent across the island. I have also received requests for help. All have said they have no power and no running water, and are running out of supplies.
The immediate need is for non-perishable food, water, and toiletry items. I will be shipping a large box of supplies to each of my staff members via Fed Ex on Monday, in hopes they will reach my team and be of use to them as they await restoration of power and phone reception. In addition to the immediate impact of the storm, they are also heavily affected by the loss of income as a result of our suspension of work in the area until safe operations can resume.
If you find yourself looking for a direct and meaningful way to help the residents of Puerto Rico, please know your donation will be greatly appreciated and used wisely to help my staff get back on their feet. All monies will be used for either direct disbursement to staff or via supplies I purchase and ship. Thank you <3
All areas of the island have been devastated by the hurricane. Means of communication are almost non-existant, with 95% of cell towers down and radio and landline telephone service severely diminished. I have only heard from 5 of my 13 staff members thus far. The messages I have received have relayed the widespread destruction apparent across the island. I have also received requests for help. All have said they have no power and no running water, and are running out of supplies.
The immediate need is for non-perishable food, water, and toiletry items. I will be shipping a large box of supplies to each of my staff members via Fed Ex on Monday, in hopes they will reach my team and be of use to them as they await restoration of power and phone reception. In addition to the immediate impact of the storm, they are also heavily affected by the loss of income as a result of our suspension of work in the area until safe operations can resume.
If you find yourself looking for a direct and meaningful way to help the residents of Puerto Rico, please know your donation will be greatly appreciated and used wisely to help my staff get back on their feet. All monies will be used for either direct disbursement to staff or via supplies I purchase and ship. Thank you <3
Organizer
Michelle Passerotti
Organizer
Ladson, SC
