ADDING AN UPDATE:

I have upped the goal because of the delay of aid from government assistance, both in the form of monetary aid and supplies. On the supply side, the demand is far exceeding the supply. For example, FEMA will bring MREs and water for 300 people, and more than 4000 people will line up for these resources. With the price of gas, it's actually more expensive to wait for supplies than to purchase them at the store. On the monetary side, the checks are delayed for a variety of reasons. We so appreciate those who have donated thus far and are grateful for ongoing support!

I am posting this on behalf of my daughter, Rose. As many of you know, my daughter, Rose, and her roommate, Rin, live for away from my home in Minnesota on the island of Saipan. Saipan is part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, a US unincorporated territory. Saipan and its sister island Tinian just endured a Category 5 Typhoon that caused catastrophic damage. Typhoon Sinlaku unleashed winds of up to 180 mph and prolonged torrential rain because of how slowly the storm system moved across the islands.

I am so grateful that they survived the storm and their concrete home stayed standing. Recovery will be a long and slow process. Estimates are that it will take weeks to restore full electricity. There is no fresh water on the island so everyone has to get to water stations or stores for safe drinking water. Everyone on the island is in need, and there are agencies on the way to help.

But there are needs in the meantime. Both of them are not able to work at this time. Rin works as a dog groomer, and, even if her place of business had survived, dog grooming probably won't be a priority! Rose works in a local high school that is being used as a storm shelter, and other schools are not open because they do not have power beyond generators. I am proud that Rose is determined to stay on-island and help with recovery efforts. But there are needs in the meantime.

Specifically, their needs are:

Funding for partial rent payment, internet, and phone

Tires and battery for Rin's car--her tires were destroyed during the typhoon (Rose's car was flooded so out of commission)

Non-perishable food to tide them over before emergency rations are available

A butane stove and butane to do some cooking

Dog food

Potable water

Clothing and money for laundry

Lawn chairs while they are waiting for their landlord to replace furniture damaged by water that got into the apartment

So, if you have a little money to spare, any small bit would help as they work to recover. Thank you!