Puerto Rico, Mexico: Here's How You Can Help

Mexico and Puerto Rico were both rocked by natural disasters this week, and both countries are in dire need of help as they begin recovery efforts.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake rattled central Mexico Tuesday, leaving at least 225 people and collapsing dozens of buildings in densely populated parts of Mexico City. The quake was centered near the Puebla state town of Raboso, about 76 miles southeast of Mexico City. Mexico recovery costs could be hundreds of millions of dollars, Vox reported.

Just a day later, Hurricane Maria — a Category 5 storm — ravaged Dominica and ripped the roofs off homes in Puerto Rico, which remains entirely without power and has seen deadly landslides. At least six people have died from Maria, The Associated Press reported, and authorities know that number could grow. (For more information on natural disaster relief efforts and other Across America stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Here's how you can help:

Mexico

The Mexican Red Cross has put up a wishlist to help earthquake victims through online retail giant Amazon. Individuals can buy emergency goods through the website, including Apple charging devices, feminine hygiene products, camping tents, sleeping bags and baby products.

Individuals can also donate money via PayPal to the volunteer group Brigada de Rescate Topos — meaning Rescue Brigade Topos — using donativos@brigada-rescate-topos.org topos.mx. The group bills itself as a self-sufficient "volunteer rescue brigade" that isn't affiliated with any government or business.

The group said on its website it needs help to complete its work with those affected in Juchitán

Applause for the @topos, who rummage through rubble to find survivors. If you're looking for ways to donate to Mexico City, consider them. pic.twitter.com/oq26DzCcCb
— Adi Alsaid (@AdiAlsaid) September 20, 2017

Topos en Jantetelco, Morelos en evaluación para búsqueda. Sus donaciones han servido para movilizarnos y tener herramienta. #RescatePrimero pic.twitter.com/E6VACJi1bj
— Topos México (@topos) September 22, 2017

Prospective donors should also consider giving to UNICEF Mexico, which said in a Facebook comment that a special team will assess the situation of children in shelters and in the most devastated areas of Mexico city, Puebla and Morelos. The teams will determine how best to help children and assist Mexican authorities with water, sanitation, health, education and child protection needs.

Puerto Rico

The local group Unidos Por Puerto Rico — meaning United for Puerto Rico — is accepting donations via PayPal. The initiative uses the help of businesses to provide support to Maria victims, The New York Times reported.

A national group that prospective donors could look to is AmeriCares, a "relief and development organization" that provides medical services to the needy. The group said its emergency teams are preparing to be sent to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The organization is working with Puerto Rican health officials to stock emergency shelters in San Juan with medical equipment and supplies.

UNICEF is also accepting donations to help children in the Caribbean affected by the monster storm. Individuals can use a credit card, banking information or use PayPal.

"We put children first in emergencies, committed to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable kids in the world," UNICEF said on its website. "In response to a disaster, UNICEF helps ensure that affected children and families can get clean water, that there are safe spaces for children, that education and health services can continue, and that basic humanitarian supplies are distributed."

Photo credit: Carlos Giusti/Associated Press