Hurricane Maria: Central Florida groups organize Puerto Rican relief efforts

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Maria hasn't left Puerto Rico yet, but fundraising efforts for the island's recovery are already underway.

The American Red Cross said it is soliciting donations to help residents rebuild their lives.

Volunteers have been stationed on the island since Hurricane Irma hit more than two weeks ago.

Sherri Monroe, the organization's regional executive director, said donations are used to buy supplies on the island since it's more affordable than shipping them from the mainland.

"Financial donations are absolutely the best thing other than volunteering," Monroe said. "We buy the supplies right there when people are able to go to work. It puts money back into the economy."

Monroe said the organization already has a stockpile on the island left over from Irma.

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"We have a large number of volunteers there," Monroe said. "We are there for the long (run)."

Hispanic outreach group CASA is one of several local organizations collecting items, such as clothing, bottled water, sleeping bags and infant formula.

Jimmy Torres-Vélez, who's involved with the initiative, said items may be dropped off at Acacia's El Centro Borinqueño on North Econlockhatchee Trail near East Colonial Drive.

"We know that we can count on the solidarity of everyone in Central Florida," Torres-Vélez said.

Items may also be delivered to local Goodwill and The Salvation Army stores.

Cox Media Group