60 boxes of aid packed at national gallery

HURRICANE relief efforts are continuing among volunteers at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas - with 60 boxes of aid packed yesterday.

With people largely evacuated from the affected islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama now, the relief operation has moved into the second phase of helping to provide for people who face living long-term away from their homes.

"Not all the shelters have cooking facilities," said volunteer Alicia Wallace, who added that relief goods were also needed by people who had found shelter with friends or relatives rather than in the official government shelters.

"The National Training Agency people are preparing food and sending it to the shelters," she said.

There is also a need for sustained support from the public. "Donations really drop off after two weeks," said Ms Wallace, who stressed that the most in-demand items right now are toiletries.

"Deodorant seems to be something we can't keep in, soap is similar, and shampoo and conditioner."

On the food front, items such as beans, pasta and ramen - with seasonings to add flavour - are also welcomed.

As the shift to the long-term continues, different types of donations are welcomed. "There's a big gap between people in the shelters and people on the outside. People on the outside need help too with jobs, clothing and interviews.

"We had a big donation of clothing from Rubins to help people with jobs or going to interviews. You can also go in Rubins and buy clothing and leave it for them to give to someone in need."

The relief operation is continuing at NAGB, as a partnership between the gallery, Equality Bahamas and Lend a Hand Bahamas, and volunteers are welcomed, particularly during the working week and on mornings especially.

For anyone interested, they can drop in or email equalitybahamas@gmail.com, or message the Equality Bahamas group on Facebook. Donations can also be dropped off at the gallery - which organisers want to especially highlight to people working in nearby downtown Nassau.

The gallery is also open for free to visitors until the end of September, for anyone who needs a quiet space in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.