Maria, a 2017 Caribbean Hurricane, inflicted catastrophic damage on the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. Having enjoyed the beauties of this wondrous island on several trips, we felt the importance of giving back.
In early 2018, CCNS organized a relief trip there , and we witnessed first hand the humanitarian crisis that had ensued. Volunteers flew into San Juan, then drove to Fajardo. In the following days, we purchased lanterns, tarps, mosquito nets, stoves, etc. that were critical for families low on food, water, and without electricity. We brought many supplies to Crown Outreach Ministries, a multi-ethnic church in Fajardo whose relief efforts at this time were focused on delivering supplies to nearby mountain villages still without electricity.
The landlord at our rental unit put us in touch with Margarita, a local resident who collects anything and everything she can, then drives around distributing the donated goods to the families she knows are most in need. We joined her one-woman show, helping collect and distribute supplies, and dubbing her, “The Saint of Fajardo.” We were tremendously impacted by our experience… seeing the devastation left by the hurricane, the destitution of the victims, and the outpouring of generosity by those serving the people beyond FEMA’s reach.
