Notes from the Field

In this edition of Notes From the Field, we are lucky to have a guest post from Angela Maria Nardolillo of Off-The-Grid Missions. Off-The-Grid Missions is the only organization in the world dedicated to providing Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals access to life-saving resources in remote, isolated and disaster-stricken regions around the world.

In this edition of Notes of the Field, we discuss how Iniciativa Comunitaria has brought much-needed light to Puerto Rican communities affected by Hurricane Maria.

LuminAID worked with international humanitarian organization, Mercy Corps, to raise funds for and distribute 1,300 PackLite Hero 2-in-1 Superchargers in North Carolina. The PackLite Hero Superchargers help families to feel safe at night with extra-bright LEDs and allows them to charge their phones and stay connected with emergency services and family members.

When Hurricane Michael wreaked havoc along the Florida panhandle, World Central Kitchen was there to feed the survivors by the light of LuminAID solar lantern + phone chargers. Chef Jose Andres, the founder of WCK, flew down to Panama City to help with relief efforts by cooking and distributing hot meals.

How can light make a difference after disasters? After a hurricane, fire, storm, or other disaster, many families are left in the dark. Humanitarian organizations often have difficulty getting light to those in need. Light can help families stay safe and comfortable, particularly after disasters. LuminAID is bringing solar light to communities in need worldwide. Learn how we're helping, from Puerto Rico to California.

ShelterBox brought LuminAID solar lights to Dominica and other Caribbean Islands where power was knocked out by Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Irma. Safe light and shelter are helping these communities recover from the devastating storms.

After a devastating hurricane season, LuminAID partnered with local Chicago organizations to get more safe light to those in need. Through the Chicago4PR campaign, Chicagoans came together to raise solar lanterns for families without power in Puerto Rico. Thanks to the generosity of LuminAID supporters and Chicago organizations, more than 10,000 solar lanterns were pledged for disaster relief in Puerto Rico.

As one of the outer islands of the Caribbean, the island of Dominica was right within the path of destruction of Hurricane Maria this year. 95% of buildings on the island were damaged or destroyed, leaving electricity scarce and families struggling to rebuild. Randy Hannan, Managing Director of the Trafalgar Relief and Reconstruction Fund, shares how safe and reliable light makes a difference in a community struggling to rebuild:

This season, we've been so honored to see the way people and communities have banded together to help families in need in Puerto Rico, Dominica, the US Virgin Islands, Barbuda, and beyond. On our recent feature on Shark Tank, we shared how much we've accomplished together, thanks to grass-roots support and our incredible partner organizations. We want to highlight their crucial work, and support them with so much left to do. Find out more ways to get support relief and recovery this holiday season.