While Florida successfully avoided Hurricane Dorian’s pummeling, the northwest of the Bahamas was devastated by the 183 mile per hour winds and storm-surge flooding.
Small businesses in Palm Beach County are standing with the Bahamas by organizing donation stations where residents can give their unused hurricane supplies to those in need.
Gypsy Life Surf Shop is a small business in West Palm Beach that has partnered with Hope for Hope Town, a fundraising organization created by Patrick Davis to bring relief to those affected in the Abaco Islands, Hope Town, Guana, and other parts of the Northern Bahamas that were affected by the storm.
The shop will be collecting items to be shipped out by Hope for Hope Town over the weekend, but will continue to take items into next week.
“It’s crazy how fast we have responded to this crisis as a community,” says sales associate Leanna Moore. “The impact this will have to those struggling right now is heartwarming to think about.”
Some Palm Beach businesses will allow donations until the end of this week, while others have extended their deadlines further.
“How cool is it that so many local businesses are taking initiative and not staying silent,” said resident Hannah Ramos. “It makes you proud of where you live.”
Businesses that will continue to take items through next week or until further notice are as follows:
Big Dog Ranch Rescue, 1444 Okeechobee Blvd, Loxahatchee, FL
Donations accepted: Monday- Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
PetSmart Royal Palm Beach, 531 North State Rd. 7. Royal Palm Beach, FL
Donations accepted: Monday- Saturday 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Buddy’s Home Furnishing, 3190 NW Federal Hwy., Jensen Beach, FL
Donations accepted: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Gypsy Life Surf Shop, 1401 Clare Ave, West Palm Beach, FL
Donations accepted: Monday – Thursday 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Perk Coffee House: 384 Tequesta Dr. Tequesta, FL
Donations accepted: Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
IPIC Boca Raton, 301 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Donations accepted: Monday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Real Fitness, 150 S. Caloosahatchee Ave, Jupiter, FL
Donation accepted: Monday – Sunday 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Altier Jewelers
701 S Federal Hwy., Boca Raton FL 33432
Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The following items have been requested:
| Generators | Traps | Cleaning supplies |
| Extension cords | Hammer & nails | Non-Perishable Food |
| Work Gloves | Battery operated fans | Water |
| Chainsaws & chains | Batteries | Hygiene Products |
| Bar Oil | Flashlights | Pet Food |
| Duct Tape | Bug spray | OTC Medical Supplies |
| Mosquito Nets | Baby Supplies | Solar Phone Chargers |
| Trash Bags | Sunscreen | Lights |
