St. John Disaster Relief Fund
Donation protected
On September 6th Hurricane Irma tore through the US Virgin Islands as a Category 5 storm, wreaking havoc on the tiny island of St. John, leaving it in a state of unimaginable destruction and rubble. There will be no power for months, little to no running water, very limited communication with the outside world, and many have been stranded with their houses completely destroyed.
Charleston native, Clint Gaskins, who owns the restaurant The Longboard (in St John), flew down the day before Irma hit to check on his staff, and prepare his restaurant for the impending storm. "It looks like a hydrogen bomb went off here, every single tree on the island is knocked down," says Clint. "We need to get food to the people, the situation is getting dire."
As one of the few establishments on the island that is still standing, and in functioning condition with a generator, he has opened his doors to the community, serving over 2,000 locals and first responders a hot meal.
But, supplies are low and will continue to dwindle, as they have no incoming shipments of products from their sister-islands who were also ravaged by Irma. Private boats are coming daily from Puerto Rice, where we can purchase dry goods and other staples to be able to cook for our community. We are asking for your donations to help us continue to be able to feed and care for our islanders during this devastating time.
It will undoubtedly be a very long road to seeing the island of St. John as we once knew it, but there is unity in community, and with your donation we can help rebuild this once beautiful island and continue to take care of our island family.
GoFundMe is the quickest and easiest way to provide disaster relief by raising money online for victims of emergencies and natural disasters. 100% of your donation will be used immediately to help The Longboard on St. John continue to provide meals for it’s community.
Please share this on every platform you have, and help us get the word out! Thank you for supporting us, and our island community!
-Kristen Gaskins, wife of Clint and managing the campaign funds dispersal.
Charleston native, Clint Gaskins, who owns the restaurant The Longboard (in St John), flew down the day before Irma hit to check on his staff, and prepare his restaurant for the impending storm. "It looks like a hydrogen bomb went off here, every single tree on the island is knocked down," says Clint. "We need to get food to the people, the situation is getting dire."
As one of the few establishments on the island that is still standing, and in functioning condition with a generator, he has opened his doors to the community, serving over 2,000 locals and first responders a hot meal.
But, supplies are low and will continue to dwindle, as they have no incoming shipments of products from their sister-islands who were also ravaged by Irma. Private boats are coming daily from Puerto Rice, where we can purchase dry goods and other staples to be able to cook for our community. We are asking for your donations to help us continue to be able to feed and care for our islanders during this devastating time.
It will undoubtedly be a very long road to seeing the island of St. John as we once knew it, but there is unity in community, and with your donation we can help rebuild this once beautiful island and continue to take care of our island family.
GoFundMe is the quickest and easiest way to provide disaster relief by raising money online for victims of emergencies and natural disasters. 100% of your donation will be used immediately to help The Longboard on St. John continue to provide meals for it’s community.
Please share this on every platform you have, and help us get the word out! Thank you for supporting us, and our island community!
-Kristen Gaskins, wife of Clint and managing the campaign funds dispersal.
Organizer and beneficiary
Daniel James
Organizer
Charleston, SC
Kristen Gaskins
Beneficiary