Heard throughout Akumal this week was the phrase “we dodged the bullet” in reference to the fact that our “Harvey” passed over us as merely a tropical storm. The TV photos of Hurricane Harvey in Texas are seemingly unreal, but we know from experience they are not. Relief efforts are continuous and are coming from many sources.
One of our own Akumal residents, Debra Robinson, is heavily involved from her home in Aventuras Akumal. Here is Debra’s description of her efforts that she shared with AkumalNow:
“I am currently working with Global Risk Solutions to help Hurrican Harvey victims who work for Marathon Petroleum. We are working 12 hour shifts around the clock to try to accommodate these people. The Oil Company set up an 800-number for us to take down information on employees to assure everyone is accounted for and what everyone’s needs might be. This is just a small part of what happened in the Houston area, and I have received phone calls from one side of Houston to the other of people reporting they are OK, they need help, they need to be evacuated, they need food and supplies. The company is providing, or helping to provide, these needs to the people as soon as they can possibly get it done. It is sad that this has happened, and I have cried and laughed with these people. Please pray or continue praying for all the areas that have been affected by this hurricane.”
Debra: We are so proud of you and wholeheartedly applaud your efforts!
In a communication regarding the devasting hurricane and flooding in Texas, Ana Blackstad of the DA Hispanic Caucus reminds us that Mexico’s President, Peña Nieto, has offered to help Hurricane Harvey victims as they previously did during Hurricane Katrina when the aid Mexico sent was no small thing–it was an extraordinary gesture and saved many lives. Then President Vicente Fox sent an army convoy and a naval vessel laden with food, water, and medicine. By the end of their three-week operation in Louisana and Mississippi, the Mexicans had served 170,000 meals, helped to distribute more than 184,000 tons of supplies, and conducted more than 500 medical consultations. Blackstad urges that if you would like to join her in taking action, you can assist victims of Hurricane Harvey and its aftereffects by contacting one of the following:
- American Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS or text HARVEY to 90999 to make a donation
- Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
- Catholic Charities USA. This group has set up a website devoted to Harvey Relief, and explains that “long term recovery” is part of the group’s approach to disasters like this one.
- Austin Pets Alive! is an animal shelter and no-kill pet advocacy group seeking assistance to help with pets following the onset of the storm, and has created on its website specifics to Hurricane Harvey-related needs.
The above list is probably just a few of the organizations helping. Perhaps your favorite charity is also pitching in. There are so many volunteers helping and as one TV commentator responded, the volunteers are doing and demonstating an example of incredible humanity at its finest.
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