I received the following note from a faculty member and wanted to share it:
As many of you know, many Caribbean islands are still recovering from the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria last month. The United States Virgin Islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John are the childhood homes of Professors Rashida Shaw McMahon and Tiphanie Yanique, and the current homes of their families. These islands were struck twelve days apart by Irma and Maria, both as category 5 hurricanes. The airports and post offices are now open and, with your help, we would like to send small packages of life-sustaining goods to the region.
To this effort, we have assembled a small relief drive that will run from this Wednesday (October 18th) through next week Friday (October 27th). Donations will be collected in bins located in the Downey House lounge (294 High Street) and The Shapiro Writing Center (116 Mount Vernon), from 8a.m. to 6p.m. Please see below for our list of suggested donations.
We thank you in advance for your consideration, as there are many charities and people in need, both nationally and globally.
FOOD ITEMS
Nonperishable candy
Nonperishable snacks
Peanut Butter (small jar)
RECREATION ITEMS
Coloring books
Crayons
Paperback books
Playing cards
Miniature board games
TOILETRIES
Baby wipes
Deodorant
Flushable wipes (i.e. Cottonelle)
Hand sanitizer
Tampons/Pads
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
SUPPLIES
Batteries (all sizes)
Bug repellent for skin
Bug spray
Flashlights (small)
Ziploc bags (gallon size)
Ziploc bags (“Big Bags” size for storage)