How To Help Puerto Rico: Arlington Firefighters Collect Goods

ARLINGTON, MA — After Hurricane Erma just brushed Puerto Rico, folks hoped Hurricane Maria wouldn't be so bad. They hoped the predictions were off, or it would divert at the last minute, said Arlington Firefighter Alex Santos who has family who live there. It didn't. The US Territory took a direct hit, the strongest hurricane to hit the island in nearly a century.

Like many people, because the communications infrastructure was knocked out, Santos didn't hear from his extended family on the island for at least two days. Finally, his uncle was able to climb to the top of a mountain and call his mother in Massachusetts and get the word out: The 60 some relatives were safe, a home was lost, and another flooded and they were in need of medical supplies, but they were all alive.

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Also See: Getting Aid To Puerto Rico Is One Thing; Distributing It Is Another

The flood line is about 12 feet high, the river near Comerio, where his family lives flooded some 75-feet high, flooding the two stories of his grandmother's home, he said. An uncle, who is disabled and only leaves the home for medical appointments, now has to move for the first time in his life. There is no running water for most. The electricity is out for those who don't have generators and for those who do, fuel is running out.

Santos wanted to help his family and quietly gave his mom some funds to send to the family, but he soon realized this was bigger than just his family.

"I love my family, but it was more than just my family more than just the neighbors; it's the whole island that needs help," he said.

His sister directed him to the Go-Fund-Me site of a Dorchester church working to raise money for funds to to send a huge crate to the island full of supplies. That's when the firefighter got the idea to use his public platform at the fire station. With the help of the firefighers union and the department he sent out word Tuesday night that the drive would start Wednesday. By 3:30 p.m. just hours after the drive opened, two palates were almost full of supplies.

Arlington resident Mary Paradis stopped by with a delivery that included lady products, sardines and cases of water. She'd heard about it through Facebook and her daughter. She and some of her family members get together each month and figure out a charity to donate. This is an extra one, she said.

"You guys are great," she said shaking Santos' hand.

"I just wanted to help," he said.

How you can help:

The Fire Station at 1007 Mass Ave is collecting donations to assist in the relief effort until Oct. 5. Examples of items they're taking:

• Unopened diapers both for babies and adults
• Canned goods
• Water
• Baby formula, non perishable baby food
• Basic medical supplies: gauze, antiseptic, tape
• Contractor bags
• Please ensure all donations are non perishable.

The organization is not sending clothing on the container due to space restraints.
The deadline is Thursday, October 5. The firefighters will then transfer all donations to the container to be sent down to the island.

The GoFundMe taking monetary donations to help rent the crate to send to Puerto Rico.

RELATED:

Waltham Church Responds To Puerto Rico Disaster

Photos by Jenna Fisher/Patch