Puerto Rico needs our help right now. Here are links to a few charities I am supporting as well as links to three major charity watchdog groups. Each of these sites, CharityWatch, Charity Navigator and Give.org have lists of vetted charities that are doing the best they can to get help to those in need. I hope you can find it in your heart to send your support. Thank you.

A firsthand account and a grass roots initiative

This Facebook post from one of my son's friends speaks for itself. It is linked to a grass roots fundraising effort. "However bad you think it is in Puerto Rico, it's worse. The following is from well-resourced friends, if you don't have cash it is much worse: It is not survival day by day but rather hour by hour. Low fuel so generators cant work so limited to 90 minutes a day of power. Phones and texts a bit better but spotty. Stores that opened are running low on supplies so very limited food and medicines. gas lines at 4am are backed up a mile. Cant access wired money as all atms are down and only a few banks. Sanitation is poor and worried about disease and mosquito's. Much of the inner islands have had no contact yet with officials. Agricultural and livestock wiped out. Lots of shady characters on the street. Some looting. want land line phone but no services are shipping. no tampons so trying to get shipments. Some got out last Sunday to Miami. The airport had no power. flights were booked by relatives in Miami so they were in the system. The plane left half empty because they couldn't do walk ups and Homeland security wouldn't let them fill the planes. The plane was on the runaway for 3 hours because there is no radar so they had to wait for stateside Air Traffic Control to get them." Read More · gofundme

Hurricane Maria Relief | CharityWatch

CharityWatch announces a list of highly efficient and accountable charities involved in efforts to provide emergency relief and humanitarian assistance to the victims of Hurricane Maria. Read More · Charity Watch

Hurricane Maria Relief | Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator has compiled a list of highly-rated organizations responding in the aftermath of the hurricane and providing assistance to the communities affected. Read More · Charity Navigator

Donating to Relief Efforts for Hurricane Maria or the Mexican Earthquake | BBB Wise Giving Alliance/Give.org

As emergency rescue and relief efforts continue for those impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico or the Earthquake in Mexico, BBB Wise Giving Alliance encourages donors to consider reviewing the following link to disaster relief donation tips in responding to appeals for support. Read More · BBB Wise Giving Alliance

Hurricane Maria Children's Relief Fund | Save The Children

Hurricane Maria is threatening children and families in Puerto Rico with fierce winds and powerful rains. In response, Save the Children stands ready to help children and families with emergency assistance during this difficult time. Read More · Save the Children

Hispanic Federation

Hispanic Federation (HF) is the nation’s premier Latino nonprofit membership organization. Founded in 1990, HF seeks to support Hispanic families and strengthen Latino institutions through work in the areas of education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment, & the environment. Read More · Hispanic Federation