As our response to the devastation caused by Fiona, Baldwin students organized various relief efforts around the island.
A group of over 60 10th, 11th and 12th grade students spent Saturday in Barrio Playa de Salinas partnering with Direct Relief. While the removal of debris, cleaning of homes, delivery of food/supplies/water, fixing of appliances was significant, it was the stories, laughter, hugs, and shared dignity that had the greatest impact.
An additional effort was made by a group of 7th grade students who joined Sonnel Foundation to visit affected communities in Ponce. They distributed ice, household items, food, water, but most importantly they spent time listening to those affected by the storm.
Volunteers from Puestxs Pa' Ayudar came by during Saturday morning to pick up supplies for communities in Aguas Buenas and Cayey. Through the organization, we also made contact with a community in Loiza and distributed materials to PAYE, a school in Loiza for community members whose homes are still flooded with water. We were able to make contact with communities in Dorado/Toa Alta/Toa Baja as well and further distribute supplies. Lastly, there were donations made to El Foster Club, an organization that rescues and places animals in forever homes.
We want to acknowledge the response the Baldwin Family had to Thursday's call to action, collecting supplies for distribution among hard hit communities in just 36 hours. Collectively we were able to have a positive impact in our larger Puerto Rican community. We plan to continue efforts in the recovery of Puerto Rico from Hurricane Fiona.