Give "Light" to PR !
I grew up in Puerto Rico, going to school and making friends. My Puerto Rican "family" now suffers. The people living on the beautiful Caribbean
island continue in a major recovery effort after being hit by the category 5 hurricane Maria on September 20th. 
Life lived in Puerto Rico is now from sun-up to sun-down. Many say it's like they are back in 1932 camping out in dark homes. The holiday season which is often full of family gatherings and "parrandas" (christmas caroling and partying from house to house) was seriously limited this year. My friends posted their frustrations. Some were uncertain about how to celebrate: others in the cities felt guilty that they were better off than those in the rural areas. Many lay wake at night living in unstable home conditions and worried about the next thing that will fall apart. Those who do have power are using diesel generators in spite of the noise and the smell of fuel.
The governor of Puerto Rico says power may be restored by February. But better estimates say May according to an article in The Atlantic (Dec. 27th - link below)
Puerto Rico has suffered the effects of "colonization" since Columbus stepped on it's shores in 1493. In 1898 the US "acquired" the island after the Spanish/American war and Puerto Ricans became citizens in time to fight in World War I. I would like to em-"power" my friends and their families with solar. They could use our support to become self-sufficient.
I have been in touch with my friends who live down on the island. We are gathering addresses of those who need the light. I will be sending solar bulbs as your donations come in, and they will distribute them as they arrive. If you have friends or family in Puerto Rico and would like them to get solar light bulbs, send your donation and include their address and I will have them sent directly.
A basic solar light bulb costs between $13 -25. With shipping ($3.99) and .50 for the GoFundMe campaign (2.9%) $1500 will help me send about 75 solar light bulbs to Adjuntas, PR where I went to high school.
Your $5 gift will partner with others to send a basic solar light bulb.
Your $25 gift will send a bulb with usb port to charge a cell phone.
Please help me send light to Puerto Rico.
#SolarPower4PR
#PuertoRicoSeLevanta
Here's a recent update about Puerto Rico's Power Struggle:
http://www.newsrepublic.net/detail/07457741D810100001_us?pid=14&referrer=200620&showall=1&mcc=311
Ray Sanchez gives an update on Puerto Rico recovery for CNN. "Between Pain and Happiness", he writes, "it will be a bittersweet holiday season."
http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/23/us/puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-holidays/index.html
(There are many other solar products that may be helpful in the rebuilding of PR, like panels and generators. I'm waiting to hear what else might be needed.)
