Chuuk relief drive garners donations to fill 40-foot container

Thanks to the generosity of the CNMI community, what was initially intended to be a one-day donation drive for low-lying islands in Chuuk turned into three days, garnering enough donations to fill a 40-foot container. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Thanks to the generosity of the CNMI community, what was initially intended to be a one-day donation drive for low-lying islands in Chuuk turned into three days, garnering enough donations to fill a 40-foot container.

The Ach Chuuk CNMI Association began their “Help/Ayuda/Alisi Chuuk” relief drive last May 21 in San Jose, Saipan, but had to eventually extend it to May 23. Association president Own Cholymay said the residents of the low-lying islands within the upper, mid, and lower Mortlocks and Nómwun Weito, Nómwun Pattiw, and Páféong in the northwest region of Chuuk are on the receiving end of your generosity.”

The relief drive was intended to collect much needed supplies for the residents of the low-lying islands of Mortlocks and northwest regions in Chuuk that continue to be affected by the inundation of saltwater as early as December last year.

Elfriede Suda, who was the designated focal point for the relief drive, said the container left the Port of Saipan last Thursday, May 26, 2022. and its estimated arrival in Chuuk is either Sunday, June 5 or Monday, June 6, 2022.

Suda said the 40-foot container was donated by Kyowa Shipping Company, Ltd. and Saipan Shipping Company, Inc. Saipan Stevedore Company, Inc. waived the terminal fees, while the Commonwealth Ports Authority waived the wharfage fee.

The contents of the container included sacks of rice; canisters of butane gas; canned meats like Chef Boyardee, Ox & Palm Corned Beef, Black Label Luncheon Meat, SPAM, tuna, Vienna sausage, and sardines; assorted canned vegetables and beans; coffee sticks; salt; assorted crackers; hygiene items that included toothpastes, toothbrushes, shampoos, bath soaps, hand sanitizers, toilet papers, paper towels, and sanitary napkins; mosquito coils; Sapporo Ichiban ramen; ramen bowls; cereals; bottled water; milk; juice; new and used slippers; shoes and hats; used children’s toys; baby walkers; children’s bikes; used bags and luggage; and used clothing of assorted sizes.
Cholymay extended the association’s warmest ‘Kinisou Chapwúr’” to the relief drive’s donors, volunteers, and partner agencies and groups.

“I thank you all for filling our hearts with love and thanks for the amazing gifts,” said Cholymay.