Money and Materials Donations
Submitted by Giovanna Guerrero-Medina on
[UPDATED JANUARY 23, 2020, 12:02PM PT]
We recommend supporting Puerto Rico-based organizations that have the resources, trust, and know-how to work with local communities. This is a list of vetted organizations who are providing earthquake support and relief in Puerto Rico.
MONEY DONATIONS
The following organizations are collecting money donations to help affected families and communities:
- Ponce Medical School Foundation is collecting donations on behalf of earthquake relief efforts and to provide direct assistance to affected students and staff who have lost their homes or been displaced. Electronic donations can be made to Oriental Bank, Routing Number: 221571415, Account Number: 8016607399, Remittance email: zarroyo@psm[dot]edu or see here for more info.
- The University of Puerto Rico collects donations that support impacted students and staff and infrastructure. You can donate to specific needs or campuses.
- EcoExploratorio has established an earthquake relief fund to purchase personal hygiene products, mosquito repellent, bottled water, first aid kits, sunscreen, sheets and pillows, etc., for earthquake victims.
- The Maria Fund has created a rapid response fund to support local grassroots organizations that are helping those who have been impacted the most.
- World Central Kitchen’s #ChefsForPuertoRico is accepting donations to continue their efforts of providing fresh and hot meals to people affected by the earthquakes in southern Puerto Rico.
- ConPRmetidos is raising funds to provide emergency aid to people in southern Puerto Rico, including purchasing water, non-perishable food, first aid kits, and sleeping bags, among other articles.
- Puerto Rico Rise Up is collecting funds to support families in southern Puerto Rico. They are providing emergency aid and bringing activities for children affected by the earthquakes, among other things.
- Hispanics in Philanthropy is collecting funds to support local nonprofits in Puerto Rico.
- Hispanic Federation is raising funds to help people affected by the earthquake. They have been distributing food, water and other needs to the most affected communities.
- Alimentación Segura Infantil is collecting donations to support infant nutrition during the emergency (e.g., lactation services, infant formula).
- International Medical Corps is receiving donations to support mental health needs and provide emergency aid in southern Puerto Rico.
- 500 Catres para Yauco is raising funds to provide food and cots for people affected by the earthquake in the town of Yauco.
- Puerto Rico Rises - Forever Preciosa is collecting funds to provide water, food, shelter and education to people affected by the earthquake.
- Puerto Rico Needs Cash is a platform to help connect donations with grassroots organizations that are working with the most affected communities.
MATERIALS AND SERVICES
There is great need for emergency and first aid items, clothing, food, water, articles and games for children, bedding, camping and sleeping gear, among other things. There is also great need for mental health support, educational and entertainment activities for both children and adults. You can donate to the organizations we list above to help meet some of these needs, as many of them are delivering supplies and services to southern Puerto Rico. You can also deliver materials (e.g., food, clothing, first aid, games for children, etc.) or services (e.g., medical or psychological support, educational or entertainment). If you decide to collect or deliver materials or services yourself, we suggest that you 1) look at this map to locate camps and shelters where victims are gathering or staying; 2) contact local organizations to assess their needs first; and 3) contact and support organizations that are already collecting items and providing services.
- Connect Relief and Angiemille Latorre put together this list of collection centers and contacts, as well as commonly needed materials (in Spanish). They have also created a list (in Spanish) that has information about businesses, nonprofits and government agencies that are collecting needed items.
- El Nuevo Día newspaper put together this list (in Spanish) that has information about businesses, nonprofits and government agencies that are collecting needed items.
- Giving Tuesday Puerto Rico has put together this list (in Spanish) that has information about businesses, nonprofits and government agencies that are collecting needed items.
- Suministros Puerto Rico has a list of shelters and encampments and what supplies they need the most.
- Ruta Solidaria helps you pinpoint the needs of families and communities and trace a route to deliver the aid.