Hurricane Maria is the third storm this season to have made landfall in the United States and its territories. The most recent hit happened in Puerto Rico on Sept. 20 almost a week ago.
Even now, residents of the island are without power, water, and cell phone service. Receiving federal aid can be a tricky thing for residents of the U.S. territory because they do not have an elected representative in Congress even though they are citizens of the country.
Bushwick, with its large Puerto Rican population, is taking matters into its own hands. Here’s a list of various drop-off points, fundraisers, and parties around the neighborhood to help communities in Puerto Rico get back on their feet. Know of one we don’t have listed here? Let us know on Facebook or in the comments, and we’ll add it.
Supply Drop off points at Fire Stations
Three of the five (!) official supply drop-off points in Brooklyn are located in Bushwick:
Engine 271/ Ladder 124: 392 Himrod St.
Engine 277/ Ladder 112: 582 Knickerbocker Ave.
Engine 218: 650 Hart St.
Donations will be accepted between 7 a.m and 9 p.m. The city notes, though, that it is only accepting the following new, unopened items to send:
Diapers
Baby food
Batteries
First aid supplies
Feminine hygiene products
Bushwick’s Fundraiser for Puerto Rico at Bridge & Tunnel Brewery
On Saturday, Sept. 30, head down to Bridge & Tunnel Brewery for a fundraiser and raffle to benefit ConPRMeditos, a Puerto Rican nonprofit aiding in cleanup efforts on the ground. A portion of beer sales and all of the raffle proceeds will benefit the organization.
The event’s organizer, Saara DeAngelis-Jimenez, says: “It is our duty as human beings to help our neighbors, friends and family in Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria is the most powerful storm to strike Puerto Rico in more than 80 years. Many of my friends have still not been able to contact their family & friends back home to make sure they are safe. Although Bushwick is my home now, Puerto Rico will always be my home.”
Donation Drive at Pine Box Rock Shop
Bring diapers, baby food, batteries, first aid supplies, and feminine hygiene products to Pine Box. They’ll pack it up for you and take it to the local fire stations. And you’ll get a free beer for your good deed!
Fundraiser and Donation Drive at Norwind’s
On Oct. 1, you can eat and drink to help the recovery efforts over at Norwind’s. 100 percent of all proceeds will go to Puerto Rico, and the bar will also be accepting donations of non-perishable food and water along with everything the city is collecting as well.
Featured image by cocoliciouspr via Instagram.