WOODBINE – In the wake of the historic devastation that Hurricane Maria unleashed on the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico when it made landfall Sept. 20, the local Puerto Rican community is mobilizing to help their families and friends living there.
“We have been asked already by several clients how they can help, and we’re waiting for authorization from our CEO, Ralph Padilla, to set up a system to accept monetary and product donations,” said Carmen Arocho-Gonzalez, speaking for the Woodbine office of the Puerto Rico Action Committee of Southern New Jersey (PRAC).
According to information on its website, PRAC was organized in 1971 by a group of Salem County agricultural workers for advancing, promoting, and enhancing social, economic, cultural, and educational opportunities for Hispanic citizens. It identifies and addresses the needs of low-to-moderate income community members by developing strategies and programs that facilitate social needs, economic growth, and self-sustainability along with promoting cultural awareness and events.
Woodbine Mayor William Pikolycky weighed in on the situation, noting, “the first response I received from the Puerto Rican community after the storm was that their concern was getting supplies to their loved ones, and they did not understand why there was such a delay. After learning about the Jones Act of 1929, I inquired of our legislators to learn more about it. President Trump waned the act and allowed the aid to be delivered directly to Puerto Rico rather than going through U.S. ports.
“While discussing the situation with the borough’s three Council members, Eduardo Ortiz, council president, Mary Helen Perez, and Hector Cruz, all of Puerto Rican descent who have families living in Puerto Rico, this information about expedited relief delivery was disseminated to our community, assuring our residents that the assistance is arriving in Puerto Rico in a timelier manner to aid those in need. My three council members have kept me abreast of the ongoing state of affairs, as they have been in continual contact with their families.”
“Puerto Ricans are tough, and they are doing their best, but there is no power, no water, and the only food is what is in cans, and so the situation is pretty desperate,” continued Arocho-Gonzalez. “I have uncles, aunts, and a grandfather in Puerto Rico, and, thank God, they are doing OK; they still have their houses. But they really need batteries among all the rest of their needs. My family in New York sent them packages of batteries, and I am waiting to see if these get through before I try to send anything.”
Arocho-Gonzalez said the Puerto Rican community of South Jersey is organizing a charity telethon called “Heart to Heart” to aid their home island scheduled for a Sunday in November, probably Nov. 12. “This will be held in Cumberland County, probably at the community college there, and many organizations are coming together to make it happen, including businesses, residents, media, and charitable agencies,” she concluded.
For more information, go to www.pracnj.com.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
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