TAMPA, Fla. -- The destruction in the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian is hitting home for a Tampa woman. Now, she's working to help bring relief to the place she was born and raised.
Terrelle Tynes-Wilson said many of her loved ones still live on Grand Bahama Island.
"We've had a lot of sleepless nights in my house just worrying, trying to hear from family," said Tynes-Wilson.
She said her family, including her parents and sisters, are physically OK. But the images are still difficult to see.
"My family has said that I wouldn't even be able to fathom how horrific it is," she said.
Her brother-in-law, Iram Lewis, is a member of parliament for Central Grand Bahama and working on the ground.
"We had a good day today the weather was good we were able to get out and rescue more persons in distress," Lewis said.
He sent ABC Action News video of the damage. It shows debris, a large boat blocking a road and a plane at an airport sitting parallel to a street.
"We are just grateful to God to be alive," he said.
Lewis said they're in need of basic supplies and help on the ground with clean up and assessment.
"We're gonna be needing food, water, clothing, baby supplies, diapers, formulas, pampers, depends need sanitary napkins for females. just basic hygiene kits," Lewis said, adding his thanks to those in Florida helping.
So Tynes-Wilson is trying to help meet those needs.
"I feel like I'm there, even though I'm not there," Tynes-Wilson said.
She said she is trying to stay positive. She is helping to raise awareness about supplies needed specifically for Grand Bahama. She said they can be sent to 1100 NE 163rd, North Miami Beach, FL, 33162.
"It's a huge chunk of my life so to look away while they’re struggling is I wouldn’t be able to do that," she said.
You can find more information on other ways to donate by clicking here.
