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Puerto Rico struggling after Hurricane Maria; Here's how you can help

Puerto Rico struggling after Hurricane Maria; Here's how you can help
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Puerto Rico struggling after Hurricane Maria; Here's how you can help
More than a week after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, millions of people are still without power, water or fuel.Puerto Rico’s Gov. Ricardo Rossello said more than 95 percent of the island’s residents are still in the dark as of Wednesday and about half of residents do not have running water.Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has offered to provide support for evacuees from Puerto Rico and to send state resources to help with recovery efforts on the storm-ravaged island, the governor’s office said Thursday.Across Massachusetts, many have stepped up and organized efforts to send resources to the island. In New Bedford, police and a nonprofit, United New Bedford, held a donation drive. The Chelsea Collaborative is also hosting a donation drive to aid in the relief effort in Puerto Rico. There are many ways to get involved and help those in desperate need of support in Puerto Rico. Here are some aid relief efforts you can donate to: Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico Fund - The Boston Foundation and Mayor Marty Walsh announced that this fund will use initial gifts as challenge grants to the community for a wide-ranging fundraising appeal. Up to one third of funds raised will be immediately distributed for relief efforts and the remainder of the fund will be deployed over the next year, for reconstruction and economic recovery projects in Puerto Rico and to support resettlement efforts in Boston and the Commonwealth. United for Puerto Rico - An initiative established by Beatriz Rossello, the first lady of Puerto Rico.Western MA Puerto Rican Relief Fund - An effort established by Puerto Ricans in western Massachusetts.Hispanic Federation’s “Unidos” page - Money raised will help families in Puerto Rico and those impacted by the earthquake in Mexico.One America Appeal - An effort developed by former U.S. presidents expanded to include Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.Hispanics in Philanthropy - Money raised will be sent directly to community nonprofits in Puerto Rico.UNICEF - A donation of $28 provides a survival kit for a child on the island.Puerto Rican National Chamber of Commerce - The organization said it will give 200 percent of each dollar raised through matching. The funds will be provided to a family in need of the basic necessities to live.Gladys Vega/Chelsea Collaborative - 318 Broadway, Chelsea, MAor by phone at 617-889-6080If you have supplies you'd like to donate, but don't know of a drive in your local area, visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to donate. In addition, Puerto Rico's VOAD will ask for volunteers when the island requires volunteer help. You can register on the organization's website.

More than a week after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, millions of people are still without power, water or fuel.

Puerto Rico’s Gov. Ricardo Rossello said more than 95 percent of the island’s residents are still in the dark as of Wednesday and about half of residents do not have running water.

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Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has offered to provide support for evacuees from Puerto Rico and to send state resources to help with recovery efforts on the storm-ravaged island, the governor’s office said Thursday.

Across Massachusetts, many have stepped up and organized efforts to send resources to the island. In New Bedford, police and a nonprofit, United New Bedford, held a donation drive. The Chelsea Collaborative is also hosting a donation drive to aid in the relief effort in Puerto Rico.

There are many ways to get involved and help those in desperate need of support in Puerto Rico. Here are some aid relief efforts you can donate to:

  • Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico Fund - The Boston Foundation and Mayor Marty Walsh announced that this fund will use initial gifts as challenge grants to the community for a wide-ranging fundraising appeal. Up to one third of funds raised will be immediately distributed for relief efforts and the remainder of the fund will be deployed over the next year, for reconstruction and economic recovery projects in Puerto Rico and to support resettlement efforts in Boston and the Commonwealth.
  • United for Puerto Rico - An initiative established by Beatriz Rossello, the first lady of Puerto Rico.
  • Western MA Puerto Rican Relief Fund - An effort established by Puerto Ricans in western Massachusetts.
  • Hispanic Federation’s “Unidos” page - Money raised will help families in Puerto Rico and those impacted by the earthquake in Mexico.
  • One America Appeal - An effort developed by former U.S. presidents expanded to include Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Hispanics in Philanthropy - Money raised will be sent directly to community nonprofits in Puerto Rico.
  • UNICEF - A donation of $28 provides a survival kit for a child on the island.
  • Puerto Rican National Chamber of Commerce - The organization said it will give 200 percent of each dollar raised through matching. The funds will be provided to a family in need of the basic necessities to live.
  • Gladys Vega/Chelsea Collaborative - 318 Broadway, Chelsea, MAor by phone at 617-889-6080

If you have supplies you'd like to donate, but don't know of a drive in your local area, visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to donate. In addition, Puerto Rico's VOAD will ask for volunteers when the island requires volunteer help. You can register on the organization's website.