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Detroit4PuertoRico

News

Since the launch of our efforts on October 13, 2017 we have raised $14,000+ and have successfully delivered 4,500 pounds of food and supplies to families on the island.  We have provided conservative cash resources to families in the amount of $750 to purchase water and limited available perishable groceries on the island.  We have purchased 18 generators, two chainsaws, and various food and supplies not collected at donation events.  One island family member in need of urgent medical and surgery services has safely traveled to Detroit to receive the care needed.  We have scheduled deliveries over the next few months to distribute the remaining supplies safely and directly to the island families.  We still need to purchase 15 more generators and pay for the cargo transportation fees to the island. 

Detroit4puertorico is overwhelmed by the generosity and support of all our supporters.  But, we are not finished and need your help to continue our efforts.

During the month of November, Detroit4puertorico successfully secured transportation details for the generators and supplies while advanced efforts to hit our fundraising goal.  We are now an official TSA approved shipping company with American Airlines.  This status allows us to ship safely and at a lower cost point that traditional parcel delivery services.  Our 501c3 application status allowed us to get issued a FEIN number, and apply for a PAL number to ship supplies at a reduced air shipment rate. Please share our news with your personal and corporate networks and join our efforts to ensure families hurricane recovery.

We would like to give a special thank you to all the financial donors, New Life Church of Ann Arbor, Iglesia de La Casa De Refugio of Detroit, Roberto Nearon and Lourdes Fonseca- Southwest Detroit Zumba, Xochi's Gift Shop in Detroit, MI, The Birmingham Temple Congregation of Humanistic Judaism, Sara Grutza, Tiara Cruz, family, friends, and community members that participated in the donation drop off events, and the numerous anonymous in kind professional services supporters.  Please continue to follow us on Facebook and twitter for more updates and upcoming events.

News: News
Press Conference

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Anita I. Martinez, 313.915.0086

DETROIT COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH PUERTO RICAN ISLAND TIES

JOIN FORCES TO SUPPORT AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE MARIA

Next week a six-month journey begins to continue recovery efforts


DETROIT, MI – Oct. 13, 2017 – Today “Detroit4puertorico” announced the beginning of a six-month journey to provide emergency relief support for 50 families currently suffering on the island of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. 


“I woke up in the morning and saw that the eye of the storm hit the town in which the majority of my family members lived and my heart sunk” says Detroiter Anita I. Martίnez. “Our family members, who are in crisis, need access to insulin, emergency surgery and basic necessities—and this propelled local efforts to organize.”


Visit the website www.detroit4puertorico.org; Detroit4puertorico on Facebook; or twitter@det4pr for more information on how to support a $200,000 fundraising initiative.


Detroit4PuertoRico, a local group seeking to harness collective resources, plans to help families in need after the devastation of Hurricane Maria.  In addition to monetary donations, the group will be collecting nonperishable donations* on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at these three locations:

Detroit – Cesar Chavez Academy High School 1761 Waterman Street Detroit, MI 48209

Time: 2pm -7pm


Royal Oak – 1327 Alicia Court Royal Oak, MI 48073

Time: Noon - 4 pm

Southgate – Trentwood Farms 11055 Allen Rd. Southgate, MI 48195

Time: Noon - 5 pm

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