Aid to Family in Puerto Rico

As many of our friends and family are aware, my parents Rolando and Ivette Vargas, are in Coamo, Puerto Rico along with my grandmother, aunts, and cousins. We went days without knowing how they had fared after the catastrophic Hurricane Maria barrelled through the center of the island. Coamo is among several municipalities declared a disaster zone and they are currently without water, electricity, or communication. I was grateful to be able to speak to my mother today to share with her the great news that an anonymous friend of the family was able to allow us to send 150 pounds of desperately needed water and supplies to San Juan.  Though the media is covering the generosity of the US Government and individuals, the reality is that help has not reached people in desperate need of water, food, and cash, especially in the more remote areas of the island.  To my parents church - Crossroads Ministries in Broadway, NC- I send my sincerest and heartfelt thanks for providing much needed items for my parents. 

Mercifully I was able to speak to my mother today for the first time since the Hurricane hit. She was tearful as she described the help of God and the kindness of neighbors who are arm in arm sharing their supplies and caring for one another. She was amazed and grateful that we were able to ship supplies to San Juan and we are thankful to God for the providential trip my mom and dad took to San Juan (3 hours from Coamo) to be able to find cell reception and call us. The opportunity to ship supplies was there but we had no way of letting them know it was coming and how to access it. Thank God they called us when they did!

We need your help! My mother first asked for continued prayer for the people of Puerto Rico. Second, she asked for help with cash. Generators run on gasoline and all the grocery stores that have opened only accept cash. Though people have money, they have no way to access it and the ATMs are empty. Until aid arrives people need to purchase gas and food. This is where you come in. My aunt is flying to Puerto Rico on Thursday and my mother will be picking her up. We want to send her with $1,000.00 cash to be able to buy gasoline and other needed supplies. She will also be picking up 150 pounds of water and food.  Most of you have not only reached out with your prayers but have asked how to help. Would you please consider donating $10 towards our fund in the next 24 hours? Whatever I raise I will give to my aunt who will carry the cash to family and neighbors who need supplies. 

I have no way to express how deeply grateful I am to you- my faith family and generous friends- for any help you can give.

Eternally Grateful,

The Vargas and Taverner Family