On Saturday, September 30, 2017, the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization hosted a donation drive to help the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the earthquake in Mexico City.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz, New York State Assembly Members Marcos Crespo and Luis Sepulveda, City Council Member Rafael Salamanca participated in the event, which saw tons of critical supplies donated to be shipped to assist relief efforts in Puerto Rico and Mexico.
Throughout the day hundreds of volunteers helped to move and pack hundreds of thousands of pounds of goods to support relief efforts for Puerto Rico and Mexico, filling four shipping containers and more than two dozen trucks. So much material was donated at the event that it took two days to completely pack and move all items, and the National Guard was called in to help move donations off the street.
“No matter where we are from; whether it is here, the United States, or Mexico or Puerto Rico; today shows the spirit of what happens when we work together, as a community, to help those in their time of greatest need,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The tragedies that have hurt our Mexican and Puerto Rican brothers and sisters will take years to repair and rebuild. Today shows that we are here for them, for the long-haul, to help in any possible way that is needed so that both Puerto Rico and Mexican stand tall again.”
“I want to thank everyone for their generosity and for showing their love and compassion for our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico and Mexico,” said New York State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz.
Is during tragedies like this that all New Yorkers have an obligation to lend a helping hand of support. Because of the generosity of our residents and our institutions we are able to help so many people who need our assistance today.”
“With the leadership of the Diaz family, and the support from elected officials, clergy, and community residents across the Bronx, we were able to do something great here today," said New York State Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo. "This effort is a testament to the power of people coming together and showing that, whether our families are here in the United States or in the impacted areas, we have each other's backs and that we're here for long term. The situation in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and in the Caribbean won't be resolved in one day, one week, or even a several months; but our community will continue to work hand in hand to get through the recovery and rebuilding together. Even in these tough times, I walk away extremely proud of our Bronx residents and their generosity.”
“I am deeply impressed and heartened by the response of my fellow Bronxites and how they have come together so quickly to answer the cry for help from our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, suffering so terribly from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria. We can rightly call ourselves the borough with a heart,” said New York State Assembly Member Luis Sepulveda.
The event was made possible thanks to generous sponsorships from hip-hop legend Fat Joe, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Jetro RD, Nebraskaland, Classico Cleaning, Havana Café, Keller Williams, Debbie Medina, Fever Records, Pedro Zamorra Entertainment Group, Associated Supermarkets Group, A. Duie Pyle, 92.3 AMP Radio, Freshdirect, Gino’s Pastry Shoppe, Glory of Christ Church, Sanitation Salvage, Metropolitan Transfer Station, Action Environmental, the West Haverstraw Fire Department, County Waste, Mid-Bronx Hauling Corp., AJ Recycling, Bronx Brewery, Tri-Boro Paper Fibers, H&R Block, India Beverage Corporation, HOT 97, Puerto Rico USA Import Corporation, the Mercy College School of Leadership, Joyce Coppin, Petronella Feaster, White Rose, Mary Ellen Hoffman, Esther and Mel Wermuth, Rose Rudnitski, Jimmy’s Café, Travesias, Made in Puerto Rico, Garden Gourmet Market, Vallone & Constantinople, Shavolian Builders and the Walison Corp., among others.
