Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated Puerto Rico last September. Now one-year later, power is still spotty and largely dependent on generators. Internet and cell services are back, but only intermittently. Life for residents in Puerto Rico is nowhere near close to normalcy.
Poverty was already widespread throughout the territory before Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 20, 2017.
“Puerto Rico had a very unique situation before Maria. There are a lot of people with a large need and Maria uncovered those realities to the world,” shares Iveliz. Iveliz was born & raised in Puerto Rico, and has years of experience volunteering in humanitarian relief with our Puerto Rico Diaper Drop A.M.A.R. “We still have a lot of communities without power and electricity here - so it’s difficult. Also, [there is a lack of] running and clean water.”
As we approach the anniversary of Hurricane Maria, we want to help Puerto Rico in a big way! Thanks to the Disaster Recovery Network at GlobalGiving, all donations are being matched, dollar for dollar, while matching funds remain. Any gift you make, no matter the size, adds up to big change. That means more diapers, more hope, and more dignity for Puerto Rico!The good news? Over the course of the last year, your generous gifts have already impacted over 1,000 lives in communities across the territory by providing 12,239 cloth diapers to families and caretakers in need.
That’s not all. You’ve made a strong environmental impact too. The total cloth diapers delivered equals 6,119,500 disposable diapers, preventing over 4 million pounds of diapers from ever entering landfills. (Did you know disposable diapers take over 300 years to decompose?).
But our work continues.
“It’s very, very, very important to keep doing what you are doing right now. It’s peace of mind for those we serve, and so much more.” Iveliz said.
Every dollar makes a difference! Let’s show Puerto Rico we’ve got their backs.
With our thanks,
Stephanie Bowers, Founder & CEO
