ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orange County couple collecting supplies for Hurricanes Irma and Maria relief found a way to get their supplies to directly to St. Thomas, despite the widespread destruction on the island.
A warehouse off of Lead Road is the center for Craters and Freighters of Greater Orlando, a packing and shipping company that Jan Baillargeon and her husband own.
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Earlier this month, it also became a relief and supply hub for the people of St. Thomas.
"I grew up on the island and went through two Category 5 hurricanes,” said Baillargeon, a St. Thomas native.
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When the two saw the devastation on the island, they said they felt they had to be proactive.
"We were about to go through Hurricane Irma too. So as soon as we got through that and we were safe, I posted on my Facebook page that we were going to have a supply drive,” said Baillargeon.
Jan said the response she got was unbelievable. Within days, the couple was ready to ship 4,000 pounds of supplies.
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"They are in desperate need of supplies, of food of water, of the basic essentials you need to live,” she said.
That’s when the couple stumbled across someone who could get the supplies to the island, despite the damage and restrictions at ports.
“Along the way through social media, we met somebody who works for a large-scale shipping company that goes to St. Thomas on a weekly basis, and that contact has generously offered to transport those items for us at no cost,” said Jan.
Once to the island, the supplies are going to a Hebrew congregation.
"They are personally going into area of the greatest need and handing out supplies to the residents of the island,” said Jan.
Those interested in sending supplies can stop by the company’s warehouse.
Cox Media Group
