Hurricane-Ravaged Bahamas Will Get Help From NYC

NEW YORK — New York City will lend The Bahamas a helping hand as the Caribbean island nation grapples with Hurricane Dorian's wrath, officials said Monday.

The city will collect money from the public and allow municipal workers to donate a portion of their paychecks to charities that will help Bahamians recover from the storm that killed dozens of people, city officials said.

The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, a charity led by first lady Chirlane McCray, will distribute the raised money to "reputable" relief organizations such as UNICEF USA and the International Medical Corps, Mayor Bill de Blasio's office said.

"New Yorkers of good faith have raised their voices and called for action for the people in the Bahamas over the past weeks," McCray said in a statement. "Many of our families have deep connections to the islands of the Caribbean — they are hurting, mourning the loss of loved ones, and friends, and fearful of the future nature’s fury may bring."

Dorian made landfall in The Bahamas as a Category 5 hurricane on Sept. 1. The powerful storm killed at least 53 people, left more than 1,300 people missing and caused about $7 billion in property damage, according to news reports.

The Mayor's Fund launched a similar fundraiser to help Puerto Rico recover after Hurricane Maria devasted the U.S. territory in September 2017. That effort raised more than $200,000 in the roughly two months following the storm.

"Through the strength of our partnerships and the generosity of the people of New York, we will help bring critical support to Bahamians impacted by Hurricane Dorian," Mayor's Fund Executive Director Toya Williford said in a statement.

The Mayor's Fund is a nonprofit organization that works with city agencies and community organizations to support various programs. McCray chairs the charity's board of directors, which is appointed by de Blasio.