Benjamin Community Bands Together to Aid Neighbors Following Hurricane Irma

9/26/2017

Marti Lotman

Benjamin students and families banded together in the wake of Hurricane Irma to aid those in our local community who were severely impacted by the storm.

The Benjamin community delivered hope and help to Pahokee families on Thursday, September 20. They loaded up cars full of bottled water, ice, non-perishable food and personal hygiene products and delivered them to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pahokee where the supplies were distributed to over 100 families in need.

The McDermott’s, whose children Ella, Bridge and Claire attend Benjamin, heard about the opportunity through Mr. McDermott’s involvement on the Board of a school in that area.

“He heard from his colleagues that they were devastated from the storm, on top of being underprivileged to begin with, so he mobilized as many of us as he could,” said lower school Student Services Director Kathy Bailey, whose family participated in the relief effort.

"We ran to Texas to stay with family. We had my little 6 week old infant grandson, daughter, 2 grandmothers, and my sister. When we returned there was no electricity until today. We lost everything to the humidity - food gone bad, moisture got into clothing, furniture, toys, rotted. We will recover by the grace of God. We are grateful for this help today to get us back on our feet. Thank you. Thank you," said Abuelita Rosario.

Many people in Pahokee returned to their homes after evacuating only to find lost income, property damage, unbearable heat and no work. Two dozen mothers lined up and waited 45 minutes in the heat of the day for diapers.

“Every single mother was deeply grateful to us. You all are shining examples of these Helping Hands. You were a hero Thursday, a beacon of hope for our neighbors in need, delivering hope and help in Pahokee,” said Maura Plante, Founder of “Living Hungry,” the organization that spearheaded the charity effort.

“This weekend, the 100 families you assisted were able to breath a little easier, smile more, and thank God for blessings of food, water, ice, clothing, cleaning products, even diapers and You.”

The following Benjamin families participated in the relief effort through either time and/or donations:

Ella McDermott

Bridget McDermott

Claire McDermott

Mrs. Catherine McDermott

Mr. Chris McDermott

Lia Interlandi

Mrs. Lisa Interlandi

Iris Hoffman

James Hoffman

Mrs. Brandi Hoffman

Mrs. Natalie Marx

Sophie Marx

Bella Marx

Vanessa Zito

Alexandra Pace

Anthony Pace

Mrs.Theodora Pace

Ella Bailey

Mrs. Kathy Bailey

Mr. Dave Bailey

Mrs. Kate Devine (parent) assisted with collections from St. Paul.

Susan Ende

Tanya Ajay

Tiffany Bevacqua

Sylvia Barboni

Jenn Soffan

Christie Simon

Deana Cousin

Jennifer Klein

Amy Zito

Lori Roth

Friends from NPB swim and Seaview Tennis Association

Back

Benjamin Community Bands Together to Aid Neighbors Following Hurricane Irma

Main Address & Lower/Middle School

Upper School