The hurricanes may be long gone, but those stranded without water, power or even homes are still in desperate need for help to get back on their feet.
First Harvey, then Irma, and now Maria left millions struggling in their aftermath.
“Puerto Rico’s always been good to me,” said New Britain Youth Services worker Sal Germano. “So I said, you know what, let me help them out, because they always helped me out.”
“What can I do? My small donation isn’t going to make as big of an impact as getting people together and doing a whole, big one with the community.”
Every day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. donations are being accepted at New Britain Youth Services. They’re looking for clothing personal hygiene products, food and other necessities.
“Batteries, flashlights,” Germano suggested. “Little Foreman grills if you can.”
Meanwhile, the Consolidated School District of New Britain Public has given one goal to all of their 17 schools: raise as much money as possible to help as many people as possible.
Local
“We are going to break it into thirds, so that we can give equal distribution to those impacted areas using our local and our state partners,” explained Superintendent Nancy Sarra.
Students at each school were given creative freedom to raise the funds, a project Sarra says instills an attitude of gratitude.
“Even though we have it tough here – we have tough times and money is tough – there are always people who are in greater need,” Sarra said.
Money will be collected at each of the schools’ central officers and to the New Britain Board of Education until Monday, Oct. 9.
