Relief efforts continued to gather pace in the wake of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with Samaritan's Purse launching a distribution site last April 21at Saipan Community Church.
Megan Dame, who is helping coordinate the effort, said the operation is a collective push by church members, students, and residents affected by the storm.
“It’s a group effort, but yes,” Dame said when asked if she was coordinating the site.
Dame said essential supplies are already being handed out to families in need.
“So we have reinforced blue tarp back here, 20-foot sections, unless you can specify, and you can have two per family,” she said. “And we have a rechargeable solar light that will work for your phone to recharge also.”
As of the interview, turnout was steadily increasing.
“I think we’ve had about 30 cars, but they’re seeming to get the word out and lining up already,” she said.
Volunteers staffing the distribution include a cross-section of the community, many of whom were also impacted by the typhoon.
“Yes, this is members from Saipan Community Church. This is students from Saipan Community School. And this is friends and neighbors that have already lost stuff too,” Dame said.
The current distribution is only the beginning, with more aid expected in the coming days.
“Yes, we are one of seven groups that are distributing and this is just our first load. We have more coming later,” she said.
Future shipments will expand beyond tarps and solar lights.
“More rechargeable lights, more tarps, and eventually when the other plane lands from Samaritan’s Purse, a cleanup kit,” Dame said. “Cleaning supplies, buckets, mops, soaps, there is scrub brushes, there’s a sponge. There is things to clean up all the mud and everything out of your house.”
She added that requests have also been made for additional items.
“We did ask for some fans that are solar, no word yet,” she said.
Dame said the effort is rooted in helping the wider community recover.
“We just want to give back to the community that’s hurt. And if we can help you in any way, please let us know.”
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