Hurricane Dorian Georgia: How To Help Victims, Pets Recover

ATLANTA, GA — Now that Hurricane Dorian is no longer a threat to Georgia and the Southeast, many people are looking for ways to help and give back to those in need, from the Bahamas to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

North American Properties, through its philanthropic arm NAP Cares, is committed to sending two truckloads of much-needed supplies to the Abaco Islands, a group of islands and barrier cays in the Bahamas that were ravaged by Hurricane Dorian. NAP is hosting ten events over the next week-and-a-half at Avalon in Alpharetta and Colony Square in Midtown Atlanta that are focused on gathering donations and raising funds. In addition, for every hashtag #NAPCaresDorian used throughout this effort, NAP will donate $1 toward the cause.

"There is epic devastation on these beautiful islands that the world has come to know and love," said Mark Toro, managing partner of NAP. "Our ExperienceMakers are committed to extending community to the Abacos and contributing to the resources needed to help rebuild this special place."

Now through Sept. 13, Avalon and Colony Square are providing Atlantans with several opportunities to contribute toward restoration efforts, including:

AVALON

• Monday, Sept. 9, 7:30-9 p.m. – Punchline Comedy Night with Mia Jackson: Alpharetta residents are invited to a special comedy night at Avalon benefiting hurricane relief efforts
• Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6-7 p.m. – AvalOM with lululemon
• Friday, Sept. 13, 6-8 p.m. – Avalon Nights Live with Fly Betty Band

COLONY SQUARE

• Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6-7 p.m. – Yoga on the Square with exhale Atlanta
• Friday, Sept. 13, 6-8 p.m. – Groovin' in the Grove

NAP is requesting various items customized for each event. The full list of needs is below:

• AvalOM and Yoga on the Square – Comfort and Care
  • Water, first aid kits, feminine hygiene products, sunscreen, bug spray, toothbrush and toothpaste, hats, toilet paper, paper towels, rags, soap, cleaning supplies, nonperishable foods and canned goods.
• Avalon Nights Live, Groovin' in the Grove and Punchline Comedy at Avalon – Recovery Essentials
  • Flashlights, batteries, tarps, gas containers, trash bags, tool kits, buckets, mops, generators, tents, chainsaws, shovels, power cords, work gloves, rolls of sheeting, sleeping bags, coolers, water purification tablets, staple guns and staples, headlamps, nonperishable foods and canned goods.
• Little Acorns – Infant Aid
  • Diapers, baby formula, baby wipes, toilet paper, Pedialyte, nonperishable foods and canned goods.

In addition, each property is accepting monetary donations. No contribution is too small, and everything makes a difference. If guests are interested in bringing other items not listed above, NAP will gladly accept and distribute. For anyone who is unable to attend an event but would like to assist in the relief efforts, donation bins will be located at Avalon's Concierge and Colony Square's Management Office in Suite 780 on the seventh floor of Building 100. Donations can also be made here: discoverylandcofoundation.org/abaco-relief-fund/.

While needs for shelter and food are of the highest concern, NAP is committed to helping the country with its long-term rebuilding efforts and will continue to look for opportunities to support the islands for the days, weeks and years to come.

LOOKING FOR A LOVED ONE?

People concerned about U.S. citizens traveling in Bahamas should contact the US State Department Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word DORIAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. This includes providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance.

GIVE BLOOD

Hurricane Dorian has forced the cancellation of nearly two dozen Red Cross blood drives and donation centers in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina resulting in more than 550 uncollected blood and platelet donations. The Red Cross is urging eligible individuals in unaffected areas to give blood or platelets to ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients. The Red Cross currently has an urgent need for blood donations following a summer shortage. In addition to cancelled blood drives, they anticipate low blood donor turnout in and around affected areas due to poor weather conditions this week.

Schedule an appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

DONATE TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY

The Humane Society's Animal Rescue Team is currently on the ground assisting in a large-scale operation to move animals out of harm’s way. The group has been coordinating evacuations of adoptable animals out of shelters in Hurricane Dorian’s destructive path, so that those facilities can be fully utilized to meet the needs of displaced animals in the affected areas. The Humane Society said it is prepared to do more in support of animal rescue and relief if need be.

They ask for support of these lifesaving efforts by donating to their Emergency Animal Rescue Fund. Donations will ensure that their team can continue to answer the call during times of emergency wherever, whenever and however animals need them.

Emergency preparation and response-related activities that donations support include:

• Rescuing, caring for and providing temporary shelter to animals in need.
• Renting and outfitting temporary animal-sheltering facilities.
• Purchasing, renting and outfitting rescue vehicles, including trucks and boats.
• Providing long-term care for rescued animals and transporting them to placement partners.
• Helping lost and displaced animals reunite with their families.
• Hiring emergency response staff and training staff and volunteer responders.
• Helping shelters and other animal protection facilities impacted by natural disasters and other emergencies.
• Educating the public about the importance of taking pets with them during disaster evacuations and planning for those evacuations.
• Assisting private humane organizations and federal, state and local officials in preparing for and responding to natural disasters and other emergencies that affect companion animals, farm animals and wildlife.
• Increasing the infrastructure and capacity of the HSUS’s emergency response efforts through fundraising, education and awareness raising.

To learn more about the Emergency Fund or to donate, visit the Humane Society's website.

Hurricane Dorian National Information:

• Hurricane Dorian Flooding, Wind Threats Continue; 4 U.S. Deaths
• Hurricane Dorian Georgia: Tyler Perry Sends Supplies To Bahamas
• Avalon Hosting Events To Benefit Hurricane Dorian Relief
• Hurricane Dorian Relief Supplies Being Collected At Colony Square
• East Cobb Animal Shelter Rescues Dorian-Displaced Cats
• Southeast Offers 1,200+ Homes For Hurricane Dorian Evacuees
• Hurricane Dorian Relief Supplies Being Collected In DeKalb County
• Fake Hurricane Photos: Sharks On Streets, Trump Cat Rescue, More