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Group steps in to help Harvey victims
The Carolinian Affairs Office is hosting a coin drive to raise funds that will be donated to individuals in Houston, Texas, who were devastated by Typhoon Harvey, many of them migrants from the Commonwealth.
CAO executive director John Tagabuel said he was prompted to help raise funds to help the victims of the catastrophe after learning that many are former Saipan residents.
“We found out there are folks from the CNMI that were in the heart of the storm that hit Texas. There are nine CNMI families that are out there,” said Tagabuel. “One of the things that opened my eyes to help was that two of the victims posted pictures of their house filled with water…so we just put this together last minute to raise funds for relief.”
Last Saturday, as early as 10am, CAO set up tents across the Garapan basketball court and held out donation baskets to passing vehicles. “Whatever we get, it will be accounted for and sent as help from the CNMI,” he said.
According to Tagabuel, when Saipan was devastated by Typhoon Soudelor, many came forward to help. Without that help, the island wouldn’t have recovered as quickly as it had. “Its our turn to give back,” he said.
“Just like us when we had our time with Soudelor, all around the world they were trying to extend help to us so we want to do the same,” said Tagabuel.
CAO hosted the coin drive in conjunction with the Refaluwasch Advisory Council.
