Disaster Relief Supplies Headed To Puerto Rico April 8

TAMPA, FL -- Disaster relief supplies have been loaded on a ship at Port Tampa Bay bound for Puerto Rico Sunday, April 8.

The ship was loaded up at Port Logistics Refrigerated Services (a cold storage facility company at the port) with approximately 1,300 boxes of shampoo, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and other personal hygiene items.

The island territory of Puerto Rico is still trying to recover six months after Hurricane Maria, the worst natural disaster in Puerto Rican history, struck the island, wiping out Puerto Rico's electric and communication systems and leaving thousands without homes.

Several organizations and companies came together to organize the effort including Good Samaritan Shipping Ministries, JJ Lyon Guard Foundation, Port Logistics Refrigerated Services, A.R. Savage & Son and Port Tampa Bay.

The ship Glory will leave Port Tampa Bay after a church service at 11 a..m. Sunday at the Riverview parish of the Journey Church Tampa at 10022 Cristina Drive in Riverview.

Those assisting in organizing the effort will be at the service including the family that owns and operates the vessel Glory.

Shawna and James Downs and their children live aboard the Glory, traveling around the world to help people in need. They run the faith-based Good Samaritan Shipping Ministries.

Rick Sharp, chief operating officer of Port Logistics Refrigerated Services, said he's been looking for an opportunity to help out the people of Puerto Rico. He donated the use of his crane, his facility and other services to assist in the effort.

Rafael Gaztambide, president of JJ Lyon Guard Foundation, will also attend the church service. JJ Lyon Guard Foundation has been deeply involved with efforts to send supplies to Puerto Rico since last year.

Port Tampa Bay waived all fees associated with the shipment of the supplies.

A.R. Savage & Son coordinated the arrival, loading and shipping of supplies.

Images via Port Tampa Bay