Help Puerto Rico Emergency Supplies
Donation protected
This past week the devastating category 4 Hurricane Maria hit our home of Puerto Rico. The island has been left destroyed, 100% of the island is without electricity, my old neighborhood is underwater, and many people have lost everything. Here are just a few images to give you an idea of the severity of it all ...

I have lived on the island since I was 11 years old. I'm from Bayamon/Levittown and my family is from Rio Piedras. My friend Maddelyn and I went to high school in Guaynabo and a few years ago we reconnected in New York City where we both now reside. My mother, brother, manny famiy members, and a lot of our closest friends are all on the island. For days we waited to hear from our loved ones. To be so far from home and see these pictures. To realize that life on the island as we know it will never be the same is devastating. But we are staying strong and doing what we must to help our people.
Due to the slow response in aid and the extream need for basic necessities Maddelyn and I have organized this campaign to purchase a great amount of emergency goods to send back home. We have done extensive research on what is most needed, where we will be purchasing to get the most for our money, and where the goods will be delivered. I will be responsible for withdrawing the donations and together with Maddelyn we will be purchasing all emergency goods such as the following:
Medical Items: first aid kits, topical ointments, pain relief medication, etc.
Food: 1 pallet of water (48 cases, 40 pack), canned goods, dry foods, etc.
Baby Supplies: diapers, baby food, formula, rash cream, baby tylenol.
Emergency Supplies: Batteries, candles, matches, flashlights, etc.
Hygiene Products: Soap, sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, adult diapers, etc.
Household Items: Garbage bags, toilet paper, clorox wipes, etc.
Construction Supplies: Gloves, ropes, safety masks, utility knives, etc.
You can find a detailed list of what will be purchasing and from where here .
The list will be updated as needed.
Some of these items seem commonplace but please keep in mind that the people who will receive them have nothing nor access to these essential items. Most cars were lost in floods, and for those who have working cars, there is no gas to get anywhere. For those who have gas, many roads have been destroyed, flooded or have so much debri that they are useless. Therefore access to food and supplies is extremely difficult. Additionally, most grocery stores both big and small have been damaged and are out of service. Household clean up & hygiene products are essential to preventing disease and sickness, which is extremely common after water damage and floods. Emergency & construction supplies are essential to cleaning up roads and homes.
With this money we will also be making 100 period kits for our women. Each kit will have the essentials such as pads, tampons, and advil.
We have reached out to the local Puerto Rican organizations in New York City such as El Maestro Cultural Center who have been tierlesly collecting and sending donations directly to organizations that distribute directly to the community. All goods that are purchsed will be sent here which will then be delivered to COPI in Loiza, Comedor Social at the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras, and Taller Salud in the metropolitan area.
Please be aware that if we find more effective or direct ways to transport our goods we will take the steps necesary to make them happen and will be updating you every step of the way.
Whatever amount you are able to donate will make a difference! Regardless of weather you are able to donate or not, please share this link as much as you can and continue to spread the word on what is happening in Puerto Rico!
We are all one. Thank you everyone for your support.
I have lived on the island since I was 11 years old. I'm from Bayamon/Levittown and my family is from Rio Piedras. My friend Maddelyn and I went to high school in Guaynabo and a few years ago we reconnected in New York City where we both now reside. My mother, brother, manny famiy members, and a lot of our closest friends are all on the island. For days we waited to hear from our loved ones. To be so far from home and see these pictures. To realize that life on the island as we know it will never be the same is devastating. But we are staying strong and doing what we must to help our people.
Due to the slow response in aid and the extream need for basic necessities Maddelyn and I have organized this campaign to purchase a great amount of emergency goods to send back home. We have done extensive research on what is most needed, where we will be purchasing to get the most for our money, and where the goods will be delivered. I will be responsible for withdrawing the donations and together with Maddelyn we will be purchasing all emergency goods such as the following:
Medical Items: first aid kits, topical ointments, pain relief medication, etc.
Food: 1 pallet of water (48 cases, 40 pack), canned goods, dry foods, etc.
Baby Supplies: diapers, baby food, formula, rash cream, baby tylenol.
Emergency Supplies: Batteries, candles, matches, flashlights, etc.
Hygiene Products: Soap, sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, adult diapers, etc.
Household Items: Garbage bags, toilet paper, clorox wipes, etc.
Construction Supplies: Gloves, ropes, safety masks, utility knives, etc.
You can find a detailed list of what will be purchasing and from where here .
The list will be updated as needed.
Some of these items seem commonplace but please keep in mind that the people who will receive them have nothing nor access to these essential items. Most cars were lost in floods, and for those who have working cars, there is no gas to get anywhere. For those who have gas, many roads have been destroyed, flooded or have so much debri that they are useless. Therefore access to food and supplies is extremely difficult. Additionally, most grocery stores both big and small have been damaged and are out of service. Household clean up & hygiene products are essential to preventing disease and sickness, which is extremely common after water damage and floods. Emergency & construction supplies are essential to cleaning up roads and homes.
With this money we will also be making 100 period kits for our women. Each kit will have the essentials such as pads, tampons, and advil.
We have reached out to the local Puerto Rican organizations in New York City such as El Maestro Cultural Center who have been tierlesly collecting and sending donations directly to organizations that distribute directly to the community. All goods that are purchsed will be sent here which will then be delivered to COPI in Loiza, Comedor Social at the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras, and Taller Salud in the metropolitan area.
Please be aware that if we find more effective or direct ways to transport our goods we will take the steps necesary to make them happen and will be updating you every step of the way.
Whatever amount you are able to donate will make a difference! Regardless of weather you are able to donate or not, please share this link as much as you can and continue to spread the word on what is happening in Puerto Rico!
We are all one. Thank you everyone for your support.
Organizer
Stella Sofia
Organizer
Astoria, NY