LATINOS UNIDOS Reaches PUERTO RICO
Following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, Latinos Unidos en Alaska raised funds to help several families in Puerto Rico. Last March, the students of Romig Middle School along with these funds traveled to the island. It was a journey that enriched our hearts with humility, positive energy, and gratitude.
With the contributions of Latinos Unidos en Alaska we were honored to donate building materials, food donations, and water storage tanks. One of the families that received assistance were Mrs. Gregoria and her sister Josefina, who sadly is missing her legs and is also a dialysis patient, both residents of Quebradillas. When we went to visit them, we realized the destruction their humble home had suffered. A whole room and bathroom without a roof, walls or doors, where the damage was so serious, we could not believe they had been able to sleep there after the devastation of the hurricane. At the end of our visit, we delivered materials and a donation for the reconstruction of their home, both expressed their gratitude to Latinos Unidos en Alaska. It was very touching to hear them say: “How is it possible that from so far the goodness has come to our home?” Another one of the most significant donations that touched our hearts went to the Hogar Segunda Primavera, an assisted living home for the elderly. Mrs. Lily Aviles, the owner of the home, an entrepreneur and a woman full of hope, built the home with a lot of sacrifice for the elders of Quebradillas. The home suffered a lot of damage after the hurricane. Sitting together and feeling the Caribbean breeze upon us, we gave her the donation from Latinos Unidos en Alaska. As she opened the envelope, all we heard were tears of gratitude. Lily would repeat how much this would help the home to be able to offer what she wants most for her residents, quality of life. She told us she will be able to repair the roof of several rooms and bathrooms, and buy fans. She gave us a tour of the beautiful home and introduced us to several of the residents. As we departed, she hugged us and wept. “Thank you, we suffered a lot and are frustrated remembering how everyone has struggled to get materials, water, and electricity. How hard it has been to communicate with our families.” Another family that was helped is Jocelyn’s from Isabela, Puerto Rico. Her home needed several repairs including something that was unusual to see, there was a leak in the roof where drops of water came down through the electricity socket. Something that, according to Jocelyn, happens every time it rains. Also, the floor was flooded, and the walls were oozing water. Latinos Unidos en Alaska helped purchase construction materials and the hiring of a bricklayer to repair the roof. Despite so much devastation, we know that Puerto Rico has a resilient population that continues to keep the faith and looks for ways to improve their beautiful island. Thank you very much Latinos Unidos en Alaska for your donations from Quebradillas and Isabela, a beautiful corner located in the northwest of Puerto Rico and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Puerto Ricans have not only demonstrated their immense strength in the face of adversity but have also taught us their humility and gratitude to the contributions they have been given from Alaska. A donation of $6,500 to Puerto Rico was distributed as follows: • $1,000 to Gregoria and Josefina Pérez - construction materials and contractor. • $500 to Rosa Guzmán Ramos - refrigerator. • $600 to Joselyn González - roof repair. • $200 to Manuel González - groceries. • $200 small water containers to different families. • $500 - 2 large water containers for 2 families. • $3,500 Hogar Segunda Primavera - repairs to roof for bedrooms and bathrooms, and fans. |
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