Senator Dan Hall is joining Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith in encouraging Minnesota to donate and volunteer with relief efforts aimed at assisting those impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. With a Puerto Rican population of 13,000 in Minnesota and many other Minnesotans having family friends and connections on the island many Minnesotans have been impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria.
“I’d like to join Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith in advocating for Minnesotans to provide whatever support they can to the many people in Puerto Rico impacted by this devastating natural disaster,” said Senator Hall. “The people in Puerto Rico are currently suffering and will continue to struggle for some time as they get back on their feet. I hope that Minnesotans continue to stand strong with Puerto Rico and provide aid and services until the island is finally able to recover from this crisis.”
A release from the Governor’s office has said that Minnesota had already sent seven Minnesota National Guard soldiers, to provide critical communications support for recovery and relief efforts. Additionally, the Minnesota National Guard medical supply warehouse at Camp Ripley has shipped more than $1 million in medical supplies since to Texas, Florida, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico since September 1.
How Minnesotans Can Help
For those interested in getting involved The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asks concerned individuals to support recovery and relief efforts in one or more of the following ways:
1.MONETARY DONATIONS – Monetary donations allow organizations to purchase what is needed right now on the ground, putting money back into the local and regional economy.
a.Minnesotans can make a donation directly to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico by visiting www.unitedforpuertorico.com.
b. Minnesotans can also make financial donations to a qualified relief organization to help voluntary or charitable organizations continue to provide services to Hurricane Maria survivors.
c. The St. Paul Foundation has also started a fund, “El Fundo Boricua,” to raise money for Puerto Rico, and is matching all donations up to $250 through Oct. 19.
2. DONATING GOODS – For individuals considering donating goods, FEMA notes that it is important to remember that managing unsolicited goods can take up valuable time from relief and recovery efforts.
a. Minnesotans can find qualified non-profit organizations accepting or registering individual and corporate in-kind donations here.
3. VOLUNTEERING – For those interested in volunteering, FEMA asks that people show patience, and not transport themselves to the island of their own accord.
a. Anyone seeking an opportunity to get involved in response and recovery operations underway is encouraged to volunteer with local and nationally known organizations.