Hurricane Maria: Catholic Charities of Central Florida joins aid efforts for Puerto Rico

ORLANDO, Fla. — As recovery efforts continue in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, Catholic Charities of Central Florida is ramping up its own initiative to assist people on the island.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary held a Mass of solidarity Saturday for those devastated by the hurricane in Puerto Rico.

Read: Hurricane Maria: Where to drop off supplies

Many members of the church have family on the island.

Read: Jennifer Lopez donating $1M to aid hurricane relief in Puerto Rico

Catholic Charities of Central Florida parked two trucks outside the cathedral to accept donations of nonperishable food and personal hygiene items like shampoo and toothpaste.

Read: Puerto Rico Hurricane: Some calls from loved ones make it to mainland

Father Miguel Gonzalez is a priest at the church. He’s still waiting to hear from some of his relatives on the island.

“I have family that we still have not had any contact with. The relatives in San Juan are fine, but up on the mountain area, we still have not been able to connect with them,” said Gonzalez.

Read: Disaster declared in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastates island

The trucks will be available at the cathedral to pick up donations until 10 a.m. Monday.

The cathedral is located on Vineland Avenue in Orlando.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer also joined in a supply drive for Puerto Rico Saturday.

He made an appearance at the city's drop-off point for supplies at the Centro Borinqueño Acacia, 1865 North Econlockhatchee Trail.

Anyone can drop off supplies there from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. through Oct. 1st.

Cox Media Group