WESTFIELD – The Westfield Spanish American Association held a public meeting at the Horace Mann Center on the Westfield State University campus to discuss their current efforts to help loved ones and other people suffering in Puerto Rico due to the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
“The main purpose of this meeting tonight is organization and planning,” said WSAA member Eddie Diaz.
In order to better organize the movement, Diaz announced that WSAA has partnered with Western Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico, which is being led by Springfield Rep. Carlos Gonzalez.
Working together, the two groups have now made it possible for people in the community to send financial donations. Anyone that wants to donate money towards helping Puerto Rico can send a check that can be made payable to Western Mass Puerto Rican Hurricane Relief Fund or visit a Freedom Credit Union office in the area.
Springfield Rep. Carlos Gonzalez speaking to the crowd about what Western Mass United for Puerto Rico is planning to do moving forward. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
As the meeting progressed, Gonzalez stepped up to the podium and gave folks a better sense of the kinds of information that he’s been receiving. Gonzalez said that when hearing from Puerto Rico officials, the first priority right now is to do search and rescue around the island to ensure of everyone’s safety.
Due to the massive destruction from Hurricane Maria, bridges and roads have been torn apart and destroyed, which makes the ability to transport goods to those who need it, extremely difficult at this moment.
Gonzalez stated that sending items to Puerto Rico right now will not be effective but people will have plenty of opportunities to help out.
“What we can control is what we do,” said Gonzalez.
According to Gonzalez, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is heading the search and rescue operations in Puerto Rico and anyone who is interested in volunteering and going to Puerto Rico to help can visit the FEMA website. The American Red Cross is also looking for volunteers in Western Mass area and will be hosting an orientation on Oct. 5 for those who are interested. The exact time and location of the orientation hasn’t been announced yet.
Besides Gonzalez, a number of politicians and local officials came to the meeting to show their full support for the Hurricane Marie relief effort. Officials included Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan, Westfield State Rep. John Velis, Mike Knapik, the Director of Gov. Charlie Baker’s Western Mass office, representatives of U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s office, Sen. Don Humason’s office, and a few more.
Donations can also be sent to the Freedom Credit Union on 1976 Main St. in Springfield or on the WSAA website.
