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Puerto Rico is in a state of crisis: Here's how you can pitch in

Puerto Rico is in a state of crisis: How to help
Puerto Rico is in a state of crisis: How to help
Posted at 10:20 AM, Sep 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-27 10:24:50-04

Puerto Rico is in a state of crisis after complete devastation caused by hurricanes in the past month.

More than a dozen people have died since powerful storms hit the Caribbean island. Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 when it struck on Sept. 20, 2017, has caused millions to be without power in the week since.

Here's how to help the 3.4 million Puerto Ricans:

Give to UNICEF: The United Nation's Children's Fund provides emergency response with a focus on health care and safety for children. More: www.unicefusa.org

• The First Lady of Puerto Rico has launched a fund called "United For Puerto Rico."

• There's a Hurricane Maria Community Relief & Recovery Fund organized by the Center for Popular Democracy that supports local Puerto Rican businesses aiding the communities there.

Americares provides urgent assistance to poverty areas stricken by disaster. It is a health-focused organization.

• GoFundMe has curated a destination on its site for all of the legitimate Hurricane Maria assistance funds.

Save The Children is currently on the ground giving assistance to families with children in Puerto Rico.

• The American Red Cross offers a drop-down menu for money donations that allows donors to designate a disaster with which they want to help.

Volunteers are welcome. Visit VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) to get more information on providing assistance in person.