Rays donate to nonprofit organizations in need from Hurricane Irma

The Tampa Bay Rays yesterday donated a total of $100,000 in grants to 12 nonprofit organizations located in the Florida Keys, providing relief from Hurricane Irma. The organizations were selected by researching nonprofit organizations in the areas hardest hit, talking to individuals who are in the area providing relief and consulting with Rays community partners for recommendations.
In addition, several Rays staff members donated supplies to the Florida Keys SPCA, Southernmost Homeless Assistance League, Inc. and Wesley House Family Services, and volunteered in an estuary clean-up project while in the Florida Keys on a week-long trip. Recipient organizations and their Hurricane Irma relief missions include:

• AIDS Help: to provide rental and utility assistance to those unexpectedly unemployed or underemployed; facilitate relocation, as warranted; determine access to emergency healthcare and offer mental health counseling to the anguished and anxious; replenish basic needs; and implement resource identification to every member of the community.
• Community Foundation Florida Keys: to provide relief and recovery to Florida Keys residents from Key Largo to Key West affected by Hurricane Irma through helping them get their lives and homes back in order with repairs, transportation needs, rent, utilities, clothing, food, housing, medical supplies and childcare.
• Domestic Abuse Shelter of the Florida Keys: to rebuild Middle Keys Shelter, which was severely impacted by Irma. The organization provides comprehensive services for individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse.
• Florida Audubon Society: to assess and rebuild nesting platforms for ospreys, and to continue supporting population monitoring projects such as the Florida Keys Hawkwatch.
• Florida Keys Children's Shelter: to provide shelter, clothing, food and counseling to Florida Keys children as their families rebuild after Irma.
• Florida Keys Community College: to provide financial support to students and employees whose needs include housing, transportation, textbooks, laptops, school supplies and lost jobs.
• Mote Marine Laboratory: to repair damage to the exterior infrastructure to the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration, which includes the coral raceway systems, specialized tanks and chillers.
• Redemption Impact: to support families and veterans affected by Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys through adopting a family in need, distributing items, providing labor and consoling family members who are having a tough time coping with reality.
• Reef Relief, Inc.: to improve and protect the coral reef ecosystem by engaging the entire community in its environmental literacy efforts with a special focus placed on youth education.
• Southernmost Homeless Assistance League, Inc.: to help fund the daily breakfast served to homeless residents each morning.
• Keys Vineyard Community Church: to provide relief to families in need with food and supplies.
• Wesley House Family Services: to provide new toys to children in need this holiday season through the Holiday Helpers of the Florida Keys program.