A drive to help Puerto Rico recover from the devastating blow caused by Hurricane Maria is slated for Sept. 30. The Category 5 hurricane has become a major source of worry to the borough’s Puerto Rican population, which hovers at 300,000.

The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization has also scheduled the drive to help Mexico which suffered from a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on September 19.

The drive will take place on September 30, 2017 at 12 p.m at the corner of Southern Boulevard and Aldus Street. The organization will accept donations including, but not limited to, clothing and non-perishable food.

Hurricane Maria walloped Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, leaving a path of destruction and no electricity, phone lines or Internet.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that although the city has deployed personnel to Puerto Rico, they are still considering taking more action. He says, “New York City stands with Puerto Rico and will do everything possible to help with recovery.”

During a news conference, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who is of Puerto Rican descent, says that she will stand with the mayor in assistant Puerto Rico. She says, “I want to stress that we New York City will offer help however possible.”

Other locations where Bronx residents can donate items include:

·                 EMS Station 26: 1264 Boston Road, Bronx NY 10456 (Morrisania)

·                 EMS Station 55: 3134 Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451 (Melrose)

·                 Engine 64/ Ladder 47: 1214 Castle Hill Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462 (Castle Hill)

·                 Engine 83/ Ladder 29: 618 E. 138th Street, Bronx, NY 10454 (Mott Haven/South Bronx)

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is supporting the event. “It is in times like this when we all must come together, to help those in great need,” he says. “The road to recovery can be quite difficult, which is why I am urging everyone to support the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization’s drive to collect donations for those who need them.”

New York State Assemblyman and Chair of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force Marcos Crespo urges Bronx residents to take time to donate. He says, “No donation is too small at times like these. Your help in assisting the victims of recent hurricanes and earthquakes in our hemisphere is desperately needed.”

U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who represents Norwood, says, “This is a critical time for Puerto Rico and Mexico City, and we each have a moral duty and responsibility to aid in the immense rebuilding efforts that it will take to rebuild.” The congressman also said that he will make sure that all the federal resources are available to assist those who have been affected.

For more information on how to participate in the event, contact (718) 991-3161.