As more information on the devastation Hurricane Maria has left in Puerto Rico becomes available, a Tampa woman is organizing efforts to send over much-needed supplies.
- Brenda Irizarry has relatives in Puerto Rico
- Irizarry, Orlando group coordinating with federal office in PR
- Irizarry still accepting donations in Tampa
Brenda Irizarry is from Puerto Rico, and said she is still waiting to hear if family members living there are alright.
But the 43-year-old said she can’t sit still while she waits. Instead, she is collecting supplies.
“They’re going to be without power for months," Irizarry said. "They need it yesterday.”
Irizarry said so far people have been more than generous, stopping by to donate food, water and other necessities. She has teamed up with a group in Orlando, who met with the Puerto Rico Federal Office there to coordinate everything from a plane large enough to fly the supplies in to when and where it can land.
While all the logistics are worked out, Irizarry will keep collecting supplies.
“I have to stay strong and keep moving because they’re going to be OK,” Irizarry said. “We’re going to be there to help them rebuild, and it’s going to be bigger and stronger.”
Irizarry is encouraging anyone who wants to donate supplies to stop by the Homeland Intelligence Technologies Warehouse at 4916 S Lois Avenue in Tampa.