Since October 11, 2018, life in Panama City, Florida has been one where most citizens are without power, water, phone service, or Internet. In the wake of this still present destruction, Yamaha donated $50,000 worth of funds and clothing for distribution to Mike Jones’ (also known as Salvage Santa) Salvage Christmas event as well as to other families experiencing the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.
Panama City Golf Carts, an authorized Yamaha golf dealer, was the direct facilitator of the donation and got the clothes to the Salvage Christmas event created by Mike Jones, who has been restoring broken and/or old toys for Panama City families in need for 40 years now. The Panama City Golf Carts team also distributed Yamaha’s donation to organizations like Panama City Rescue Mission and the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, both of which are working to help with hurricane relief.
“Devastating, isn’t even the word for this,” said Michelle Meissen of Panama City Golf Carts. “October 10th was like yesterday; each day we’re making progress, but we are just beginning this journey of recovery. So many need help right now, especially the most vulnerable: low-income families (school children, teens, and infants). The clothes and funds from Yamaha will support families working to get back on their feet. In no way did this storm discriminate! It affected the young, the old, the rich, the poor; people of every race and background. The past two months have been a true lesson in community: people coming together from all walks of life to reach out and give—of their time, their talents, whatever they can to help one another. Some of us are so lucky to have businesses and homes to come back to and we couldn’t be more grateful. But then there are so many more that were not, and continue to not be as lucky… we are just trying to give back to anyone who has lost everything.”
To date, Hurricane Michael has demolished thousands of homes and businesses, leaving thousands more destitute in the Panhandle area, making recovery for this beloved community an unfortunately long one.
“We have to thank our Yamaha Motorsports division for partnering with us on this; and commend our Yamaha dealer family at Panama City Golf Carts for being such a critical part of the recovery effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael,” said Tom McDonald, President of Yamaha Golf-Car Company. “There’s so much more progress to be made. We understand that this is only a drop in the bucket for what’s needed, but it’s a step in the right direction that we plan on continuing until the PC community is back on its feet.” For how to contribute to the Florida Panhandle’s recovery, visit redcross.org.
