12-Year-Old From Maryland Collects 500 Cases of Water for Hurricane Victims in Puerto Rico
Not long after Hurricane Irma and Maria severely damaged the Caribbean islands, many residents in Puerto Rico are still without power, food and, most importantly, clean water – most are being forced to bathe in streams contaminated with raw sewage and collect drinking water from condemned wells. Now, a selfless elementary school student from Maryland is doing what she can to help the people affected by the hurricane.
Dashai Morton, a sixth grader from North Forestville Elementary School in Maryland, recently celebrated her 12th birthday and when asked about what she wanted for her birthday – she said she wanted to collect 500 cases of water for the hurricane victims in Puerto Rico.
“She wanted nothing else. Nothing else. No party, no nothing. This is what she wanted,” Dashai’s grandmother, Tanya Morton said to WJLA.
Within just two weeks, Dashai launched Project Give Back and was able to collect 460 cases of water – with the help from her mother, grandmother, and school. To reach her goal of 500, the young teen used her birthday money to purchase the remaining cases. In addition to the water, Dashai is also collecting non-perishable food, baby formula, toiletries, and blankets.
“One of the things that we tell the students here at North Forestville is that one person can make a difference and we see that in her,” said Debra Evans, assistant principle of Dashai’s school.
The school says they are talking to the Red Cross to plan how they will transport the generous donation to Puerto Rico.
“It makes me happy because I can help other people who don’t have what I have,” Dashai said.
News of Dashai’s donation comes after several celebrities also gave donations to the people who are suffering from the after-effects of Hurricane Irma and Maria.
Just yesterday (October 17), celebrities like Jay-Z, Chris Brown, Cardi B, and Jennifer Lopez performed at the third annual TIDAL X BROOKLYN. Other celebrities who performed at the benefit concert included Fat Joe and Remy Ma, Vic Mensa, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Willow Smith, A$AP Ferg, Chloe x Halle, Princess Nokia and many more.
Hosted by Angie Martinez, the funds raised by the show were donated to those affected by Hurricane Irma, Maria, Harvey, and the earthquake in Mexico.
Photo Credit: Fox 5 DC
