When reports first came around about Hurricane Dorian, it seemed as if Florida was in major trouble. In an instant, Dorian increased to a Category 5 hurricane, and after Hurricane Irma in 2017, Floridians were scared of a repeat. Many people left Florida as a precautionary measure, including University of Miami and former Hillsborough High School student Ryan McCaffery. 

“I planned on staying here [in Miami] while stocking up on water, food, etc,” McCaffery said. “Finally, after seeing one report that said we were going to be directly hit, my parents decided it would be best to leave.”

Luckily, Florida escaped what could have been a tragedy. Although Florida got lucky, the Bahamas did not.  On Sept. 1, Dorian made landfall in the Bahamas. The island experienced the full wrath of Dorian and overnight, the Bahamas went from a tropical paradise to a wasteland. 

Many are reaching out and trying to aid the Bahamas. NBA star Buddy Hield, who was born and raised in the Bahamas, was reportedly devastated about the aftermath of Dorian. 

“Seeing the footage from what Hurricane Dorian has done to the islands, it’s left me heartbroken,” Hield said in an interview with NBC Sports. “There’s nothing I can do personally about it. The only thing I can do is go out and control what I can control.”

Hield and the Sacramento Kings have raised over three-hundred thousand dollars to help aid the Bahamas in their recovery. 

In addition to the help of Hield, Hillsborough High School is also pitching in. The Robotics Club is raising money to aid the Bahamas by holding a fundraiser. They will be collecting money donations and essential items that the hurricane victims may need. 

“With people’s lives at stake because of Hurricane Dorian I think it is important for us as a team and community to do everything we can to pitch in and help those going through hard times by either sending monetary donations or any physical goods,” senior Brian Sun said. 

Just because the storm has passed doesn’t mean the troubles are over. The toughest times are yet to come for the Bahamas and they need your help. You can donate to Buddy Hield’s GoFundme at https://www.gofundme.com/f/r28pr-hurricane-dorian-relief-in-the-bahamas and many other places.