Here’s how to help

Super Typhoon Yutu left Saipan and Tinian with devastating losses last week and people want to help. Here’s how to help.

The Marianas Young Professionals has established a “gofundme” account titled “Super Typhoon Yutu Relief Campaign.”

MYPros executive director Gerard Van Gils said their disaster relief arm, United 4 Saipan, will focus on personal necessities.

“We ask for donations which will be used for to buoy people up in the CNMI… we will prioritize water distribution and immediate needs,” he said.

“Next, we will focus on relocation support for those displaced or damaged… coordinate volunteer cleanup efforts and rebuilding.

To donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/super-typhoon-yutu-relief-campaign.

The call for volunteers was echoed by MYPros vice president Nola Hix. In a Facebook announcement, Nix encouraged willing volunteers to help Restore CNMI.

“Let us build each other up by doing what we can, when we can. …In partnership with our sub-committee, United 4 Saipan, we would like to empower all interested village volunteers… in cleaning homes and yards that were greatly affected by Typhoon Yutu,” she said.

MYPros will provide trash bags, gloves, rakes and other cleaning items. All interested volunteers can sign up at https://goo.gl/forms/k77Fs48Gcbt)TMY12.

Currently, there are two other “gofundme” accounts that are asking for donations. The first one is “sonsofsaipan,” created by a volunteer that lives on Saipan and is asking for donations that will be used to purchase tarps, futons, mosquito coils, medical supplies, food, butane etc. “Sonsofsaipan’s goal is to raise $10,000; it has currently raised $4,225.

The second one is “kokuanoemi,” created by a student in Hawaii who has family on Saipan.

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Last Saturday, shipping and carrier company Matson Corp. announced through its chairman and CEO Matt Cox that the company intends to donate $125,000 in kind and cash to help with relief efforts.

Internally, Matson has initiated an employee donation drive where the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross and the CNMI.

The company also vowed to transport supplies, equipment and donations from Hawaii and Guam to Saipan as quickly as possible. Last Friday, Matson brought mineral water bottles from Guam and equipment from Federal Emergency Management Agency to Saipan.

The American Red Cross is asking for donations for Saipan and Tinian relief and recovery operations. People are encouraged to visit redcross.or or call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

A website called “yuturelief.com” was created to facilitate donations around the world to help Saipan and Tinian. The website was created by people from Saipan who now live in the U.S. mainland and attempts to give a listing of all the different ways on how to donate.

One is “supply drives” where donors can donate in-kind items like blankets, pillows, mattresses, towels, and the like. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at designated areas.

They are also facilitating monetary donations for Marianas Young Professionals, Tinian Team, Red Cross, Koka, Saipan Cares for Animals, Help Bay Area and Southwest California residents.

Aside from the established organizations that have given or pledged monetary support and help, people are also mobilizing themselves individually. They doing their part as they help family, friends, neighbors and even strangers get through the ordeal.