Let’s Come Together: Ways To Help Puerto Rico & Mexico

I’ve been silent again this week, but for good reason. Given the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean and then the earthquake in Mexico, it just didn’t feel right to post. I have family in Puerto Rico and while I haven’t met some of them yet or seen some of them since I was little, they are still family. It was really hard watching my mom be so upset these last few days and not being able to get in contact with all of her cousins. It’s been so heartbreaking to see what they’re all going through right now.

The last time I visited Puerto Rico was back in 2008. It’s crazy because I was just telling my mom a few weeks ago how much I miss it and want to go back. This photo above was taken by my mom on her last trip with my two aunts in 2013. Both of her parents, my abuela and abuelo, are buried there. I never met my abuela, as she passed away before my mom married my dad, but I’ve visited her at the cemetery on a big family trip for her anniversary when I was 12 years old. It was the first time I ever got on a plane. Those are memories that I will always cherish. My mom and dad were both born there as well as my grandparents and great-grandparents, and so on. I’ve been lucky to visit several times throughout my life so far. It’s a place I hold very close to my heart.

When constant devastation is happening everywhere, it’s hard for me to go on posting like normal, especially when it’s an outfit. I struggle with this when something horrible happens in our country or in the world. This time, it hit close to home for me. I decided to just go a few days without sharing anything on here because of this. I always try to speak on these events in some way- whether a blog post, Instagram caption, IG stories or Twitter. I think that as an “influencer” it’s important for me to use my voice when it’s needed the most. I love sharing ways that we can all help because in times like these, we need action more than ever before.

Where To Donate 

There are so many ways to donate and get involved. Every little bit makes a difference. After doing some research, I found some trusted resources. I’ve shared them on Twitter and IG Stories, but I really wanted to share them on here as well. Here are some sites where you can make donations:

Unidos Por Puerto Rico: An initiative brought forth by the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatrice Rosselló, with the purpose of providing aid and support to those affected by Hurricane Maria and the passing of Hurricane Irma.

Maria Fund: Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund. 100% of donations will be used to support immediate relief, recovery and equitable rebuilding in Puerto Rico. The fund will support organizations working with the hardest hit communities in PR.

YouCaring: Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Relief Fund. All funds will help in recovery.

Disaster Relief – The NPRChamber: The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce. Every penny will go to the individuals. Donations will be matched.

Global Giving: Mexico Earthquake Relief Fund. A crowdfunding organization has pledged that all donations will go to recovery and relief efforts.

Direct Relief: A humanitarian aid organization has pledged that 100% of donations will go directly to relief efforts and facilitating the delivery of medical supplies.

#DearMexico: Initiated by Andrea Pérez, all donations will be destined to Save The Children Mexico, Cruz Roja Mexicana, Unicef Mexico and Fundación Carlos Slim.

Dominica Hurricane Maria Relief Fund: A campaign to help the residents of the small island nation. Donations will be used to send basic materials such as temporary roofing, blankets and non-perishable food.

I encourage you to give whatever you are able to. No amount is too small. Every single dollar helps, whether it’s $5 or $50. Some of these sites also share other ways to help, wether it’s donating items needed or even volunteering.

Moments like this really put you in check and remind you of what’s most important in life. This is when we need to come together the most. Hold your loved ones a little tighter today. Say something kind to a stranger. Put a smile on someone’s face. Build a longer table, not a higher fence. Sending all of my love. ❤️

P.S. If you know of any ways to donate and help, please share in the comments below! The more people that spread the word, the better.