MIAMI, Fla. (Black PR Wire) – The Carrie Meek Foundation, Inc., in conjunction with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan and Experience Aviation have joined forces to coordinate a hurricane relief effort for residents in the Bahamas.

The collection location is Miami Gardens Neighborhood Service Center, 16405 NW 25th Avenue in Miami Gardens. The location opened Sept. 4, and continues each day from 9 a.m. 4 p.m.

“We are committed to coming to the aid of residents and communities in the Bahamas,” said Tony Crapp, Sr., executive director of The Carrie Meek Foundation, Inc. “Helping our communities in need is a small but meaningful part of our humanitarian act, and we hope everyone helps this cause and contribute.”

The collection location will accept donations for critical supplies requested by Bahamian government officials. Those items include non-perishable foods; hygiene kits (tissue, toothpaste, tooth brushes, towels, sanitary napkins); cleaning supplies (bleach, mops, brooms, garbage bags, sponges, clothes pins); disinfectants; baby formula, bottles and supplies; jerry cans (plastic water bottles); beds, cots; blankets; flashlights; batteries; mosquito repellent (DEET-free); cooking utensils; tarpaulins; plastic sheeting; disposable plates and eating utensils; power banks; solar-powered chargers; portable radios (battery or crank); cloth bags or biodegradable bags; and first aid kits (bandages, gauze and tape).

The Meek Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that sponsors and promotes programs in education, housing, health, and economic development, and sustains U.S. Congresswoman Meek’s work through grantmaking, civic engagement, and community development.

For more information on The Carrie Meek Foundation, Inc., visit carriemeekfoundation.org.

BROWARD COUNTY

Hurricane Dorian relief efforts continue in Broward County as well. County officials have created a website, broward.org/dorianrelief, which includes the Bahamian government’s official list of supplies needed, and a list of drop-off locations being managed by municipalities and other organizations.

Broward County’s 311 Call Center is still taking questions about hurricane relief including items needed and donation drop off points. The Call Center is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 311 or 954-831-4000.

United Way of Broward County is accepting monetary donations, collections of supplies, and is recruiting volunteers to assist inn sorting supplies.

Port Everglades is waiving tariff charges for ocean shipping lines transporting humanitarian relief supplies to the Bahamas. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) has waived landing fees for aircraft involved in humanitarian flights to and from the Bahamas.

The Office of Medical Examiner & Trauma Services has sent disaster relief supplies. The Long-Term Recovery Coalition, a network of more than 100 local partners, including the local business and faith-based community, is discussing how the public can best provide social services for refugees who come to Broward County in need of support.

Broward County Public School officials say they are ready to help families register their children for school. A welcome center has been established at The Lauderdale Manors Early Learning & Resource Center, 1400 NW14th Ct., in Fort Lauderdale. The Florida Department of Health in Broward County has been onsite providing immunizations, WIC eligibility and linkage to other services.

When the Welcome Center is closed, families should contact the Family & Community Engagement Office at 754-321-1599 for assistance. As the need for support increases, the district will offer additional hours of operation.

The school district continues to collaborate with the Broward Education Foundation, United Way of Broward County and BrightStar Credit Union to collect and deliver donations and resources to assist with Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts in the Bahamas. For more information on the District’s Hurricane Dorian relief and recover efforts, visit browardschools.com/hurricanerelief.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Through the Office of Mayor Ronnie L. Felder and with support of the City Council, the City of Riviera Beach has partnered with city-based Tropical Shipping and the Bahamian government’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to organize and distribute collected goods to the islands.

Residents and others can drop off goods anytime at Riviera Beach Fire Rescue’s Station #1, located at City Hall, 600 W. Blue Heron Boulevard. Questions? Call the mayor’s office at 561-845-4145 or RBFR at 561-8454137.Where to go? Just look for the sign.

The two Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity chapters in the county are partnering with their brothers in Freeport, Grand Bahama, to set up a direct channel for local donations.