Am I right in saying that this week has felt like a lifetime and a half?

It has been a tough week for Puerto Rico, as the island was struck by hurricane Maria and the entire island is without electricity. Officials have been saying that parts of the island could be left without electricity for months — which should make my trips down there in October and December very interesting.

Many thanks to those who reached out asking about my family’s well-being. I began to hear back from friends and family members in Puerto Rico throughout the day on Wednesday and although they suffered some damages to their homes, no one was hurt. I’ve yet to hear back from one of my friends in Aguas Buenas, but I’m keeping positive, as I’ve read that the hurricane disabled radar, weather stations and cell towers across the island (update: heard from my friend!).

A few of you have asked me how to be of help to the people of Puerto Rico so I’ve rounded up a few links for your perusal:

• Unidos Por Puerto Rico: The first lady of Puerto Rico created this fund to help those affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria.
• UNICEF
• ConPRmetidos
• Global Giving
• Save the Children

And make sure to keep an eye out for local donation drives. One Church Markham Woods (we attend One Church Park District, a satellite campus) will be collecting items for Puerto Rico on Sunday. They are looking to collect the following items:

• MREs
• Canned or boxed milk
• Canned food
• Baby food
• Dry formula
• Bottles
• Blankets
• Towels
• Flashlights
• Candles
• Batteries
• First aid items
• Mosquito repellent
• Baby wipes
• Diapers
• Underwear
• Cleaning items

The Orlando Sentinel published a list with additional donation drop-off locations in Central Florida: Where to drop off donations for Puerto Rico in Central Florida. So did the Orlando Weekly.

Puerto Ricans are resilient in the face of adversity. Let’s hope that their courage shines through in these literal dark days ahead as they begin to rebuild their communities.

And for those looking to make a contribution to our friends in Mexico City, after a devastating earthquake claimed over 200 lives, click here. 

xx