How Not To Turn Your Back on Puerto Rico | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

How Not To Turn Your Back on Puerto Rico

49
How Not To Turn Your Back on Puerto Rico
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2017/09/25/6364194778728207162102251605_170921000944-14-hurricane-maria-puerto-rico-super-169.jpg

We’ve all seen the dark side of Facebook. The side where family members vent politically or ugly arguments arise between friends. Social networks can bring out the worst in us, in our peers, in that sweet classmate you’ve found to be not-so-sweet. The internet’s largely flawed, yet its potential for community is something we’ve never had before, a community I often forget to attend to.

I, like many, fall down cynical-internet rabbit holes. I’ve gotten lost on the red-pilled side of YouTube, where multiculturalism is frowned upon and anti-Semitism is welcomed. I’ve indulged myself in our president’s 140 character tantrums and belittled old high school classmates that openly push misogynistic rhetoric. I’ve consumed a lot through my multi-fluid digital screens. However, nothing has compared to the heaviness of this week’s consumption.

This week’s rabbit hole was a lot more personal. I, alongside thousands, was left glued to my television screen, my phone, waiting for an ounce of communication from my family stranded on the electric grid-less island, Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 hurricane, not only ruined the island’s infrastructure, but left children, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. all running on generators, with a subsequent three million people without power or running water.

As death tolls continue to rise, it’s difficult not to feel restless or hopeless, unsure of whether or not our families are safe, or trapped in a flooded house somewhere.

With headlines that read “If anyone can hear us…. Help us,” it’s easy to feel powerless, but thanks to charities like United for Puerto Rico, Global Giving, and Students with Puerto Rico, there are ways for us to bring back power to the powerless island. Below are a list of charities you can donate to that can supply food, water, and aid for the the victims of Hurricane Maria.

United For Puerto Rico

United for Puerto Rico is an initiative brought forth by the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló, in collaboration with the private sector, with the purpose of providing aid and support to those affected in Puerto Rico by the passage of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María.

You can donate to this campaign here.

Global Giving

Global Giving is the largest global crowdfunding community connecting nonprofits, donors, and companies in nearly every country. Global Giving helps nonprofits from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe (and hundreds of places in between) to access the tools, training, and support they need to be more effective and make our world a better place.

You can donate here.

Students with Puerto Rico

This is a group of college students from around the United States, with ties to Puerto Rico, who put together a GoFundMe campaign. Proceeds will go to United for Puerto Rico, the first lady Rosselló’s initiative.

You can donate here.

Unidos: A Relief Fund for Hurricane Maria Victims in Puerto Rico

The Hispanic Federation, along with New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio and U.S. Reps. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) and Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), set up this fund. One hundred percent of proceeds will go to hurricane relief and recovery efforts.

You can donate to them here.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an army ready to serve on multiple fronts, which is why they are serving disaster survivors of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

You can donate here.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

195751
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18173
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460361
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28019
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments