One of the greatest challenges facing Abaconians as they recover from Hurricane Dorian is that Abaco’s economic center, Marsh Harbour, was virtually wiped out by the storm.
And whereas some regions of Abaco — the cays in particular — are making strides toward rebuilding, greater Marsh Harbour (including Murphy and Dundas Towns) is recovering more slowly. In the past few weeks, several vital businesses have reopened, but Marsh Harbour has a long way to go.
Reasons for the region’s delayed recovery are many, but the bottom line is that Marsh Harbour is not receiving the aid it needs to rebuild in a timely manner. And unless and until it does, bouncing back will be that much more difficult for the rest of Abaco.
WHAT DOES MARSH HARBOUR NEED?
Local residents have pulled together the following wish list of items in greatest demand:
Marsh Harbour Wish List (as of November 17, 2019)
- Plywood (5/8” & ½”)
- 2x4s x whatever
- 2x6s x whatever
- Ice & water shield
- Shingles
- Hardiboard
- Sheet rock
- V-joint
- 16-penny head nails
- 8-penny 2 1/2″ head nails
- Hammers
- Measuring tapes
- 7 1/4″ saw blades, 24 teeth
- Framing squares
- Speed squares
- Windows – single and double
- Doors – interior and exterior
- Generators
- Skill saws
- Drills
- Impact driver or drill Combos
- Levels
- Extension cords
- Work lights
- Aluminum eave drip
- Door locks/knobs
- Household appliances
- Bed frames
- Mattresses
- Box springs
If you’d like to help all of Abaco get back on track, please consider contributing some of the above items to the residents of Marsh Harbour. (And please forward this article to anyone else who may be able to help.)
HOW CAN I GET DONATIONS TO MARSH HARBOUR?
The kind folks at Abaco Freight in West Palm Beach are collecting relief and construction supplies, which they are transporting to, and distributing in, Marsh Harbour.
Items listed above (or any relief supplies) can be shipped to or dropped off at Abaco Freight at:
#AbacoStrong
10130 Northlake Blvd., Suite 214–192
West Palm Beach, Florida 33412
CAN I DONATE CASH?
Absolutely! Cash donations are being used to purchase and ship fresh meats and vegetables by plane, and to sponsor pallets of relief supplies. (A single pallet of freight costs $200 to ship from West Palm Beach to Marsh Harbour.)
For more information, contact Kimber at (561) 502-2632 or Kimber@abacofreightllc.com, or visit Abaco Freight’s Facebook page.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give residents of greater Marsh Harbour, and thanks to Abaco Freight, and all involved in transporting and distributing vital relief and recovery supplies.
Thanks, Amanda. I appreciate knowing what is really necessary – and AMAZON Prime makes it happen overnight.
Amada – Have I told you how much I have appreciated you on-going effort to document and share info about Abaco in general and GTC specifically since Dorian hit? I do!! Especially helpful has been your frequent updating of what, specifically, is needed, by whom and where. Your compilation of where to consider sending donations to both NGO’s and individual businesses / people has been especially helpful. Tom’s reporting and perspective, along with your photos, of Marsh Harbour, have provided great supplemental information. Many, many thanks to both of you!! Until I am able to get back to GTC in person, I will continue to give financial donations when and where I am able.
Gayle, thank you so much for your kind words. I know you know how much Tom and I love Abaco, and we both want to do whatever we can to help our family and friends there however we can. We’re committed to keep telling their stories until everyone is back on their feet. Hope to see you back in Abaco soon!
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