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.
