Perth Amboy Collecting Toiletries To Help Puerto Rico

PERTH AMBOY, NJ — Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz is calling for donations to be collected to aid the thousands of victims of the earthquake in Puerto Rico, an island still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Over the weekend, Diaz circulated an Earthquake Relief for Puerto Ricoto to Perth Amboy residents, asking for people to donate what is being asked for by Puerto Rican officials: first aid kits, hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, mosquito repellent, diapers for both children and senior citizens, baby/hand wipes, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, dental floss, mouth wash, soap, body wash, and feminine sanitary napkins and pads. All donations should be unopened.

The 6.4 magnitude earthquake, the largest to erupt in a century, was followed by massive aftershocks including a devastating 5.9 magnitude one that hit the island early Saturday morning. So far, approximately 50,000 residents are reported without power, 559 structures are destroyed, resulting in $110 million in damages.

“Americans have a long, well established tradition of leading a helping hand to those in need, and that help is desperately needed now,” said Mayor Diaz. “I’m asking my neighbors here in Perth Amboy to extend their generosity toward our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico in their hour of need.”

Donations are currently being collected from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the drop-off deadline has been extended until tomorrow, Wednesday, January 15 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Alexander F. Jankowski Community Center, One Olive Street, Perth Amboy.