Guam is stepping up to the plate with the spirit of inafa'moalek to help families in Tinian and Saipan unable to access clean water after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Over 260 cases of water is now on its way to the Northern Marianas thanks to a community-led effort.

Instead of catching waves after the storm, the Guahan Bodyboarders crew has been collecting water for Tinian and Saipan, where thousands of residents are unable to access clean water. On Tuesday, they made their way to the Department of Revenue & Taxation, where that agency's employees association banded together to donate 261 cases of water.

Banking and Insurance Commissioner Michelle Santos says she was inspired by her son Chris Santos, the vice president of GBI. "He said, ‘Mom, they’re in the dark. They don’t have water.' So I came to her and said let’s come together and donate," she explained.

The donation drive is especially personal for Rev & Tax Association president Lisa Pocaigue, who said, "I grew up in Saipan. I have a bunch of family who reside up there. My whole father’s side is from Saipan. So I know how they live. I know how the water situation is back there. I know the best thing to do is donate water for now."

Tuesday’s four-and-a-half pallets of water will make their way to Tinian and Saipan, with the first shipment already on its way thanks to the Ayuda Foundation, Saipan native Frank "The Crank" Camacho, and Cars Plus Guam. Chris Santos said, "I think at this point, our generation needs to step up. This is our time. Our brothers in Saipan, Tinian and Rota really need our help. We’re kind of the proof that if you just band together with your friends, all of your friends, resources and take advantage of what you guys have, you can get some cool stuff done."

Cars Plus sales manager Mike Mafnas encourages continued support as the need for clean water remains ongoing, sharing, "It just shows how much inafa’maolek we have here on the island, that we have for our brothers and sisters out there. Continue to support them. I know they still don’t have water and power. GPA I heard is going over there really soon. Just come together guys. This is the time to be together as one Marianas and do it for each other."

And one upcoming opportunity for the community to make an impact, said Chris Santos, "If you can, we’re having a fundraiser up in 105 in Upper Tumon. It’s hosted by all of the surfing associations, Lotus, Guam Skate Network. We all combined just to raise money just to send over to Saipan. So that’s this Thursday from 6 to 11pm. If you guys are not doing anything or got some raffle prizes to donate, come out."

And it goes without saying, these bodyboarders certainly don’t plan to stop making waves anytime soon.