People walk on a flooded street in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 22, 2017. RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP/Getty Images
The Bridgeport area has been highly engaged in trying to help people in Puerto Rico, which as we all know has been in a state of crisis since Hurricane Maria wiped out homes, power and infrastructure on the island.
We keep hearing the question, "How can I help?" So the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network has been working to collect information about everyone's activities aimed at sending relief.
"I know we will not be able to get to everyone on time and also know it is currently dangerous to travel there, but I believe it's important that we attempt to do what's right for the good of all," said Anna Cruz, of Housatonic Community College, which has set up two drop-off points for water and non-perishable food.
"En la unión está la fuerza y acuerda que si cooperas, Puerto Rico se recupera!" which translates to "There is strength in unity and if we cooperate, Puerto Rico recuperates!" said Lissette Colon, of CTBPT United, which is one of the sponsors of a radiothon on Radio Bomba.
"We need all hands on deck and invite all those that can volunteer to come on down anytime starting at 8 a.m., said Alma Maya, of Greater Bridgeport United, who is part of a big drive at the East Side Senior Center on Saturday.
"GBLN has a long-standing partnership sponsoring blood drives with the American Red Cross and the Knights of Columbus in Bridgeport," said Eileen Lopez-Cordone, of the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network. "The Red Cross is already on the ground and fully operational in Puerto Rico and blood is always a great way to give to those in need."
Manny Torres pledged major action from the Technique Tigers Baseball Academy, which "is honored to team up with Americares to provide medical supplies to Hurricane Maria. Our team is taking major action, strength in numbers we can make a difference. WWCD? What would Clemente do? Our beloved Boricua baseball hero/humanitarian said: 'Anytime you have an opportunity to make a difference in the world and you don't, you're wasting your time on Earth!' Every bit helps."
Are you planning a fundraising or donation drive in the Bridgeport area to help Puerto Rico in its time of need? Please send us your information so we can inform the public.
The Greater Bridgeport Latino Network is aware that the community is organizing a variety of activities in the coming weeks and months in response to Puerto Rico's crisis following Hurricane Maria.
We are committed to help promote these activities and point people to the many ways they can donate, help and give.
GBLN President Carolyn Gonzalez attended a community meeting organized by Sazon & Mambo regarding relief efforts in Puerto Rico. She offered GBLN's communications channels to help coordinate efforts and inform the public.
Send your information to gbln@hotmail.com.
A woman wades through a flooded street in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Catano, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP/Getty Images
People work cleaning the streets after the passage of Hurricane Maria, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images
A resident wades through flood water days after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 22, 2017 in Loiza, Puerto Rico. Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images
A destroyed house in at Humacao in the east side of the Island. Photo by Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo for The Washington Post via Getty Images
