VOLUNTEERS from Matson have packed a container full of donations that will be shipped to the outer islands of the Federated States of Micronesia.
The donations include books, school supplies and clothing. They will be shipped to the homeport of the ship “Sea Haven” in Pohnpei, then distributed to students and schools in the outer islands, which have limited access to resources.
“They had nothing,” said Melinda Espinosa, chief financial officer of Pacific Missionary Aviation (PMA). Describing past trips to the islands when schools received school supplies and desks, she added: “It was like Christmas.”
The project is coordinated by the Ayuda Foundation and the PMA with assistance from Pacific Island Movers, Matson, and community volunteers. “It’s a partnership, with the people of Guam helping the islands,” Espinosa said.
Donations were made by Guam’s private and public schools, the Guam Public Library System, the Navy, and private citizens.
Matson provided the container, PMA provided logistics and the Sea Haven, while Pacific Island Movers provided the warehouse space to house the donations.
Hyatt Regency also provided manpower and Ayuda Foundation served as the catalyst, bringing businesses and organizations together.
The Sea Haven is PMA’s floating clinic that provides medical services to remote islands that have no harbors or airstrips.
