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Rotary Club of Pago Pago Joins Fire Relief Efforts
- Joey Cummings
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
When a series of house fires displaced families across American Samoa in June and July, the Rotary Club of Pago Pago chipped in to make the hardship easier to bear. Club members began making deliveries to affected families -- bedding, pillows, cleaning supplies, and food staples -- almost immediately. As news of several subsequent was announced, a larger coordinated effort came together, and Rotary was ready to be part.
How It Started
Bluesky Communications reached out to South Seas Broadcasting General Manager and Rotarian Joey Cummings to design a community response campaign. Together with Bluesky CEO Barlen Lutchmoodoo, they put together a two-part effort: a physical goods collection running through July, and a financial fundraising campaign that directed one cent from every SMS and phone call on the Bluesky network to the relief fund -- with Bluesky matching all funds raised. A formal announcement of the total is expected soon, and it is expected to be significant.
Collection points were established and the public responded generously with all manner of clothing, cookware and even gently loved princess dresses for kids!
August 1st: Distribution Day
On Saturday, August 1st, everything came together at Pala Lagoon Swimming Center. Volunteers from multiple organizations began arriving at 7am. By 8am, two large tents were being filled with thousands of donated items -- clothing, bedding, cleaning supplies, storage bins, cookware, rice cookers, tea kettles, floor mats, and more. Many household items came through the generosity of Cost.U.Less.
The American Red Cross was on site with their confidential registry of fire-affected families, ensuring the right people were contacted and invited to attend. Families were handed an empty tote and told to take what they needed. The Lions Club of Pago Pago showed up with an additional donation of storage totes, toasters, tea kettles, rice cookers, pillows, sheets, and floor mats collected through generous community donors.
When it became clear that two families in Vaitogi and Pago Pago could not make it to the event, organizers collected clothing sizes and household needs, shopped on their behalf, and delivered directly. With thirty minutes remaining, Rotary Club President Danielle King and Joey Cummings drove to the nearby Department of Human and Social Services shelter to arrange donation of remaining clothing. Everything was sorted, folded, packed, and delivered before the morning was done.
The People Who Made It Happen
Community Service Chairperson Vili Oney represented the club on the ground throughout the event. "What stood out to me the most was the incredible amount of donations -- from the numerous bags of clothing to cooking supplies, cleaning supplies, and other home essentials," said Oney. "Most importantly, it highlighted the support from the partners and organizations that had a hand with the logistics, planning, and distribution."
Also on the ground was Rotarian and American Red Cross representative Leilani Tuamoheloa-Tilo, whose dual role perfectly captured the spirit of the day. Pala Lagoon Swimming Center Pool Manager and Rotarian Debbs Cox ensured the venue was available and ready. Lions Club of Pago Pago President Danielle Pualau led her club's participation along with Elizabeth Paras.
Bluesky Marketing and Communications Lead Annette Tamasese summarized the vibe well during a Facebook Live from the event. "It's very inspiring to be helpful to families in need. We look forward to distributing the monetary donations next week, as well."
For a few hours on a Saturday morning, some of the island's most active community organizations worked side by side. Coffee was shared, problems were solved on the spot, and families left with full totes.
Service In Action
This is what Rotary looks like in it's most fun and helpful mode. . The Rotary Club of Pago Pago is proud to have played a role in this effort and grateful to Bluesky Communications and South Seas Broadcasting for bringing the community together around for a day of dancing, sorting, folding, sharing and fellowship.
Rotary Club President Danielle King said it best: "Among many things that beautiful morning, what stood out was the gratitude from (a family) that thanked us. I felt her loss but also felt how grateful she was. It does not take much to help our community -- just a little time and compassion. And that came through from everyone who was there that day and those who took the time to donate."
The cause of most of the recent fires has not yet been conclusively determined. What has been determined is that this community knows how to show up for its own.
Volunteers assisted families with picking out donated items. American Red Cross volunteers helped sort and display hundreds of items of clothing. Rotarians and Lions working hand in hand for the community. Team Bluesky bringing the community together. Friends and fellowship. A load of supplies on the way to families in Pago Pago and Fagatogo. Lions Elizabeth and Danielle sort clothing. Friends working together. Rotarian Vili loading in new donations to the tent. A large donation of kitchen items donated by Cost.U.Less. Rotarian and Red Cross representative Leilani Tuamoheloa-Tilo. The donation distribution point in Lions Park next to Pala Lagoon Swimming Center. The assembled volunteers. Rotarians Leilani Tuamoheloa-Tilo, Flo Wasko, Danielle King, Vili Oney and Joey Cummings. Many hands make light work. Rotarians Flo Wasko, Vili Oney and Joey Cummings.
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