Just two weeks after Hurricane Maria left Puerto Rico in shambles, groups in Lubbock are finding ways to give a helping hand. “We are just calling upon all of Lubbock, West Texas, to fulfill a call…to fulfill a push to want to help. We just want to collect many items,” said Jake Page, First Church of Nazarene’s Director of Missions.
First Church of Nazarene at first began to gather supplies for families of Lubbock residents in Puerto Rico. “Just yesterday, we sent about 6,000 pounds of supplies and those were going directly to Lubbock resident families living there.”
After completing their Phase One, they moved onto Phase 2 called Hope-Project Puerto Rico. “Basically we are trying to send a large container of items they have requested. and we want to get that to them as soon as possible.”
One Lubbock family is grateful to come back to a huge support system after being stuck there for two weeks. “It’s a big family, that’s how we feel,” said Rosa Aida Melendez.
After witnessing the hurricane first hand, the Gonzalez-Melendez family is trying to spread the word of how badly Puerto Rico needs help. “We need help for Puerto Rico. Everything you all can do, will be for blessings of everyone over there. Please help everyone,” said Loraine Gonzalez.
“It’s taking about 8 to 16 hours to get gas. You also have to make huge lines to buy 16 hours to get gas. You also have to make huge lines to buy rations of basic supplies,” says Gonzalez.
For now, they’re just thankful to be home.
For an extensive list on donation items and locations you can visit http://www.fcnhome.com/pr. Hope project Puerto Rico will be collecting donations until October 10th.
