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A miracle
Some complain about the Red Cross, fuel, water, and ice lines; the administration, lack of preparedness, FEMA, and slow reaction to the disaster, but actually, North Saipan was ripped by a 220-plus mph typhoon with no fatalities and minimal serious injuries, which is nothing short of a miracle; Taiwan and China weren’t so fortunate.
The CUC pole crews have done a great job, our major hotels were back to business immediately, and we’ve learned to prepare better.
And we know the 150-year-old international charitable organization, the Salvation Army, on Beach Road across from Hopwood Junior High School, and operated by Pastors Wayne and Annie Gillespie, serves the only free hot cooked lunch on Saipan daily from 12pm to 4pm. The outpouring of volunteer support has enabled them to also open a second kitchen in Kagman until further notice.
They fed lunch the past 10 post-storm days to 76, 179, 211, 594, 757, 829, 981,1249, 1876, 2238, 1737 (in two hours due to the new storm and running out of milk and juice), and 455 on the first day in Kagman. If you would like to volunteer, FB Anastasia Scott, emergency volunteer coordinator. The kitchen needs non-perishable food (as there is no water or power), specifically canned meat, soup or stew, rice, milk, juice, canned vegetables, sandwiches, fruit, garbage bags, hand sanitizer, grocery bags, and water.
The U.S. mainland specializes in disaster preparedness. Most towns have a YMCA, a YWCA, a Boy’s Club, and the Salvation Army to assist in crises, both natural and personal, offering food, shelter, counseling, and rehabilitation. We need help building improved facilities for charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army, who offers hope for the spirit and food to all in need.
Ron Hodges
Puerto Rico, Saipan
