Atlanta area residents help storm victims in Bahamas

People from all parts of metro Atlanta are helping in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. On Thursday, the Bahamas Consulate General hosted a donation drive. A number of essential items were collected.

“It's been surreal, an unreal as a Bahamian watching the storm start off at six miles per hour than actually stop over the country,” says Vice-Consul Charlene Johnson, with the Bahamas Consulate General.

Johnson's family had been waiting to hear from her brother since the hurricane position itself over the Bahamas over the weekend. On Wednesday night, they received good news.

“We heard that he's okay, that his children are okay,” says Johnson. “He's trying to get from Abaco to Nassau, but there's nothing really going in and out, in terms of transportation so, we're hoping they get out soon.”

Thursday evening, FOX 5 reported officials in the Bahamas said the had risen to 30.

Donations received during the evening drive, held at The Gathering Spot in northwest Atlanta, will be sent to the Bahamas. The Consulate will continue to accept the following materials:

  • Water
  • Ice
  • Nonperishable food
  • Family hygiene kits (tissues, toothpaste, toothbrushes, women’s sanitary products)
  • Cleaning supplies (bleach, mops, brooms, garbage bags, sponges, etc.)
  • Disinfectants
  • Cots
  • Beds
  • Portal Potties
  • Baby items/supplies
  • Blankets
  • Flashlights
  • Repellent
  • Batteries
  • Solar-powered chargers
  • Generators
  • First aid kits
  • Building supplies (plastic sheeting, plywood, shingles)
  • Chainsaws
  • A full list of needed items on the Bahamas Consulate Atlanta’s Facebook page.

Items can be delivered to up until 5 p.m. at the Consulate's office located at 2970 Clairmont Road NE Suite 290, Atlanta GA 30329. For any questions, call 404-214-0492 or email info@bahconga.com.

Conch Heaven restaurants have partnered with the Consulate by accepting the same donations at their two locations up until 9 p.m. at 6035 Peachtree Boulevard in Doraville and 6552 GA-85 in Riverdale.