It’s been weeks since many of us hunkered down in preparation for Hurricane Irma. The clean up has been slower than we would like. But for many Americans Irma was just the beginning. Before they could even recover from Irma, Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico and knocked them off the grid. It left them without power, without ways to communicate with loved ones, without food, water and other necessities.
This leaves many of us wondering how we can help. I’ve asked all over and here are some ways I have found that we can help right now:
1. Volunteer at Orlando Cares- Hope for Puerto Rico- They are looking for volunteers to help pack boxes of food to send to Puerto Rico. This is family-friendly and many of my friends have already gone and said how much they enjoyed it. Some have gone multiple times!
2. Donations of food, cleaning supplies, toiletries and more can be made to Puerto Rico Rises- check the link for more details including locations and times.
3. Monetary donations are being accepted by Greeneway Church in Hunter’s Creek. This money will be personally delivered to individuals in Puerto Rico in great need.
4. Monetary donations may also be made through Jet Blue who promises to match donations dollar for dollar up to $500,000. More information is available via the link.
5. ASK. Sign on Facebook and ask your friends what they know is needed. Look in some local groups for posts. I was privileged to donate cloth diapers a local midwife will be taking to Haiti. I saw a post for a Mama with a newborn who got out of Puerto Rico after Maria hit and has been struggling to produce enough milk. She is in Orlando and in need of breastmilk donations. Others are collecting disinfecting wipes and cleaners to send. People are mailing cases of water to their loved ones stuck on the island. From what I am being told by personal friend in Puerto Rico right now, packages ARE arriving, but it is taking a good deal of time.
6. Pray. If you’re a praying person, pray for the people in Puerto Rico as well as those who had to leave their homes and are trying to find necessities and living accommodations elsewhere.
Do you know of any other ways we can help? Please email Patriciah@macaronikid.com with links and information to have it added to this list.
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