THANK YOU to everyone who has contacted us about donating money and/or items to our friends in Puerto Rico! I am still responding to everyone's messages. If I haven't replied yet, I promise I will!
After talking to some people today and doing a bit more research, I have put together some options.
1. GIVE MONEY
Option A
Typically, I am one who likes to buy the items myself and head to the Post Office. However, the PO is not currently up and running so this doesn't help with immediate needs. I did read where USPS was going to attempt to start working again yesterday (Sept. 26), but it is unknown what that will actually look like and how long until packages are making it their destination. With that said, we have a friend who will be heading down to PR within the next week or so. He has agreed to purchase and pack whatever he can. If you would like to donate money to me directly, I will make sure he receives your donation and purchases items. This person is someone we know well and trust fully. He has stayed at our place many times to watch our dogs in PR when we have traveled back to the States. I would never ask anyone to donate money if I wasn't 100% confident it would be used as I'm saying it will. He will deliver these items to the pastors of our church and the local school for the deaf.
Mail:
Tim Wallin
PO Box 2045
Springfield, IL 62705
Paypal:
paypal.me/prvacationhelpers
Please add your name and "Maria Relief" in notes section.
Option B
Convoy of Hope - Again, I would never ask anyone to donate money to someone or something I would not donate to myself. This organization is already on the ground working on relief efforts. I personally know several people who work for this organization and, again, I trust that any donations will go directly to people on the island.
Option C
For the pet lovers out there! There are many shelters on the island that need assistance. Many shelters were able to keep the animals safe but lost the actual shelters. They now need food and supplies for the pets. Due to the banks still being closed, they may not have access to your money right away, but it will be much appreciated when they do. Here are two organizations:
The Sato Project
Save A Sato
2. GIVE ITEMS
As mentioned above, it is unknown when packages will arrive to local POs. However, I know that when they do, anything that is there and waiting will be greatly appreciated. If you would like to go this route, here are some people to whom can send packages. Please private message me for addresses.
Option D
If you are local (Springfield, IL area) and would like to purchase items, Tim and I are happy to arrange a time to meet you. We will then ship the packages ourselves to friends.
Option E
Our church in Ceiba, PR: Our church will definitely need repairs, and our pastors lost the roof to their on our church campus. I'm sure other people within the church who may have severe damage as well due to wind or flooding. If you send to our church, I will make sure they get to families who need help the most.
Option F
School for the deaf: Luquillo Christian School & Chapel for the Deaf is ran by a friend of ours. It is the only English-speaking deaf school on the island. Our friend manages the live-in facility on her own with the help of volunteers who raise their own funds to come and help for extended periods of time.
Items needed:
- Non-perishable foods that do not need cooked (granola bars, crackers, peanut butter, etc.
- Bathroom items: toilet paper, face/body wipes, toothpaste, soap, feminine products, etc.
- Cleaning supplies: trash bags, towels, cleaning/clorox wipes, etc. (no liquids please)
- Clothing
- Gift cards: Walmart, Mcdonalds, Wendy's, KFC, Sam's Club, Costco, Home Depot, Burger King, Pizza Hut (If you are unsure about a restaurant or store, private message me and I can confirm if we have it on the island).
- Batteries
- Candles: votives or sticks, etc. (ones without jars are better for shipping purposes)
Again, thank you for your willingness and generosity to help someone who will probably never meet.
Brittany & Tim
Brittany & Tim
