JACKSONVILLE, Fla — More than a month after Hurricane Dorian slammed into Northern Bahamas, the island nation remains in ruins.
Thousands remain displaced, and the rebuilding is slow at best. But in Jacksonville, the Sawyer, Tribble and Leonard families are doing their part to make a difference.
First Coast News first met Norma Sawyer and Debbie Tribble in September, a few days after Dorian, and they were worried about their loved ones in the Bahamas
Since then, the women and other family members have been working to get help to the island
"We have been collecting items from family members here in Orlando, Tampa and here in Jacksonville," Sawyer said.
This latest effort is phase two of their relief campaign. Now they're filling boxes with non perishables, clothing and other basic necessities and it is not just for their families.
"Like I said, we are helping 20 people plus and we are sending other miscellaneous clothes that are going to the Catholic Church there," she said.
Tribble said her cousin's mother-in-law was washed away by the storm surge that night and her body was recovered on Sept. 24 on a beach miles away from her home.
"They were able to identify her because she had a family reunion shirt," Tribble said.
Jacksonville's Impact Church recently made a $6,000 donation to their effort. They said without it, getting help for the Bahamas would have been even more challenging.
"That donation was a big help, that was a big help," Sawyer said. "We were able to get things going."
The women are 400 miles away from the island nation, but much closer in spirit and in love.
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"We are sending food that they can prepare and eat without electricity," Sawyer said.
They are loading the biggest U-Haul truck one can rent with the basics and some furnishings.
"They are so grateful," Sawyer said. "Whatever they get they are going to be satisfied with because right now they have nothing."
She said they may have lost everything, but they have not lost their hope nor their gratitude.
Sawyer and Tribble are convinced there is more to be done and could use the community's help.
The U-Haul truck will leave Jacksonville on Wednesday to connect with a boat in Ft. Lauderdale.
Once the items clear customs, they should be in the Bahamas by the weekend and someone will be there to ensure they get to the proper destination.