DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - Puerto Rico needs all the help it can get and South Florida has stepped in by collecting donations in Doral.
So many involved in this relief effort have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support in South Florida. Supplies set to head for Puerto Rico were loaded up on 18-wheelers at a Doral warehouse, Wednesday.
Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine is among those sponsoring the relief effort. “As we all know, Puerto Rico is experiencing a major crisis,” he said. “This is a call for help for everybody to do whatever they can to help Puerto Rico.”
Thousands of pounds of supplies has already left from Opa-locka Executive Airport, Wednesday morning.
Levine and State Representative Robert Asencio met with the cargo plane on a separate flight.
Levine snapped a picture with the mayor or San Juan, Carmen Yulín Cruz upon arrival. In a tweet, Cruz wrote, “Thank you Miami Beach for hearing us and standing by us. Mayor Levine we will treasure your generosity.”
Supplies collected by several organizations were first sorted at Mana Wynwood where volunteers have been working overtime. “We need more help,” said volunteer Mary Lu Galvez. “We need to get these out of here. We need to get these things packed.”
After they’re packed, donations go to Hecny Transportation in Doral.
Donors continue to charter flights like Operation Puerto Rico Care-Lift with an initial goal of about $10,000 and 5,000 pounds of aid.
“The generosity is so far beyond what we expected, that we received ten times that amount,” said 2C Creative owner Chris Sloan.
The group is working with donated flights from Spirit Airlines. “Those big yellow planes are like angels with wings,” Sloan said.
In Miami Lakes, employees at Vista Memorial Gardens packed up much-needed supplies. “The supplies we’re sending out are non-perishables, mostly canned goods and some dry goods,” said Scott Pearson, with Vista Memorial Gardens.
Countless companies, charitable organizations and volunteers continue to do what they can Wednesday to bring help to Puerto Rico. “The message has been sent out. The people of Puerto Rico need desperate help, and we’re gonna do everything we can to amplify that message,” Levine said.
“I think it’s a great idea for everybody in Puerto Rico who needs it,” said Harry Jackson, with Vista Memorial Gardens. “My prayers go to you, everybody else praying for you.”
More donations and volunteers are still needed. If you’d like to help, go to this link.
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