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TFS students initiate relief effort after Hurricane Dorian

After the devastating losses caused by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, two Tallulah Falls School students hailing from the Bahamas decided to find a way to help. 

Leading the charge to assist their fellow Bahamians recover from the natural disaster are senior Winston Davis and junior Trent Thomas. 

By coordinating the collection of supplies and money to send to their country, the pair have learned a great deal in the process.

Guiding the process with the students, Upper School Academic Dean Kim Popham said the All In committee took on the task of collecting and distributing the items.

“We agreed that we would send the supplies, and check in with our parents that are in the Bahamas and see if we need to continue,” said Popham. “The main thing the kids asked for is clothing. Some of the other organizations were not really doing clothes drives. There were some of their friends who they knew had lost a lot. We started collecting items in September.”

On the receiving end, the items were sent to the Atlanta office of the Consulate General of the Bahamas where they will be shipped to the island.  

Based in Nassau, Winston Davis’ father Philip Davis has provided valuable advice on areas of greatest need. 

“Eighty percent of the homes were damaged and a lot of them did not have insurance to rebuild, so you can imagine the state that those people are in,” Philip Davis said. “My guess is it will take them at least two years before they are back on track; it was a rough one.” 

Trent Thomas is excited to help his country in any way he can. He says that he has learned several things while working on this project.

“This fundraiser is very special to me because I am helping out and giving back to the people I grew up and went to school with,” said Thomas. “Working on this project showed me I should always be thankful for what I have because someone has less than what you have, and to always have a warm heart towards those in need.”

His classmate helping lead the charge on this project hopes this project will both help the Bahamas and help the TFS community grow.

“My favorite part has been getting the community involved and getting them to contribute to the greater cause of helping the Bahamas get back on its feet. I hope we can all grow from this as a community,” said Winston Davis. “Not everyone can do it by themselves. Everybody needs help in some type of way. We need help in the Bahamas and we need help up here. I’m just hoping that everyone can come together in that sense, and can contribute to something bigger.”

Philip Davis said the aid TFS is providing is greatly needed and appreciated.

“On behalf of the People of Grand Bahama and Abaco I would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to the caring staff, faculty and its wonderful students and parents at Tallulah Falls School,” said Philip Davis. “[The TFS] contribution will definitely make a difference in the lives of the residents of these islands.”