FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Red Cross of Southwest Florida sent nearly a dozen volunteers to Puerto Rico to help with disaster relief efforts in the wake of the earthquakes and aftershocks that have continued to rock the island over the past month.
Rev. Israel Suarez, a native of Puerto Rico, says that people now fear the unknown and are waiting to see when/if the next tremor will hit.
“Its really sad because now people are sleeping in the street because every hour the island is shaking, ” said Rev. Israel Suarez of the Nations Association.
Suarez plans to help families in need with community donations.
“They need everything, in specific if we could give them money and let them by what they need, ” said Rev. Suarez.
He is urging people right here in SWFL to lend a helping hand, stating that there is no donation too big or too small.
“Help us be part of the solution to try to being joy and happiness to a family, ” said Rev. Israel Suarez.
The South Florida American red cross, has deployed nearly a dozen volunteers in the past week.
They say many neighborhoods have extensive damage.
“We provide hope by giving people the items they need to make it through the next days and weeks on the ground, by providing the food, the spiritual care, the mental health services and, support that people need during anytime of disaster, ” Lars Knapp of the American Red Cross.
Maria Gubnitsky, an American Red Cross volunteer, in Puerto Rico says they have been working endlessly to help those in need.
“We are mobilizing supplies as fast as we can, comfort kits, blankets, health services, mental health, and spiritual care. We are combining those things to address the unmet needs of the people” Maria Dubitsky.
The Red Cross says they are always accepting donations and are currently in need of additional volunteers.
For more info head to www.redcross.org
