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Jose & Sandy Hurricane Relief Fund

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We are very concerned over the safety and well-being of our family in Puerto Rico: Jose and Sandy Garcia, their sons Gabriel, Joseph, grandson Kai, and Sandy’s elderly parents.

On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria pounded Puerto Rico leaving the island in crisis.  The power is still out, communication is spotty, food is in short supply, gasoline is scarce and there’s not enough water to drink, let alone to clean.  The island experienced extreme winds comparable to Hurricane Irma and the flooding of Hurricane Harvey, leaving its entire infrastructure decimated.  The timeline for repairs is grim.  The destruction has been described as ‘apocalyptic”.  As supplies dwindle and chaos ensues, our family and other fellow American’s grow desperate.

Jose, Sandy, their sons, and Sandy's parents were all huddled together in Jose’s house in Dorado when the eye of the storm hovered over them.  By the Grace of God, they were not hurt!  Damage was limited to minimal flooding.  However, a couple towns, over the home of Sandy’s parents was flooded with about 4 feet of water.  Thankfully, they were with Jose and Sandy, and not home, when the storm hit.

But we fear the worst is yet to come.  Both Jose and Sandy have no place to work.  The establishment were Jose worked was completely blown away, and Sandy’s work heavily relies on lines of communication, so she has been informed that there’s no work until further notice.  They need to earn a living to survive.  While they did due diligence in stocking up on food and water, the supplies are dwindling.  They are rationing drinking water and supplementing with Powerade and Gatorade.  Some stores have reopened, and there is some movement of supplies, but the lines of people are long, chaotic and often unsafe.

The delivery of supplies through the mail is unreliable and unsafe.  There’s no guarantee it will make it to the intended recipient.  The funds we raise will be deposited into Jose’s bank account so he can purchase supplies, and pay for other expenses as necessary, like rent, since they are unable to work.  Maybe, hopefully, a generator.  As you may have heard in the news, financial support to the island is grim.  Millions of people are affected and it will be a difficult and lengthy process to receive any help from the government, if any.  We are also hoping and encouraging them to temporarily leave the island for the next 6 months until repairs are made.  The decision to leave is also costly.  

Jose is a hard-working man that has dedicated his life to being a good husband and father.  He is faithful husband and loyal friend, always humble, and a man of modest means.  Sandy is the love of his life, and a ray of sunshine in everybody’s life.  They never complain, and would rather tell you a joke and cheer you up just to see you laugh and smile.  They have given so much of themselves to their family and community.  Any donation to help them now in this desperate time of need would be greatly appreciated. 

This page was set-up by Jose's sister, Pamela Hartman, and the funds will be collected and disbursed by Jose's mother, Sally Ann Bromberek.

From the bottom of our hearts, we Thank You.
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Donations 

  • Clare Dalton
    • $25 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer

Pamela Hartman
Organizer
Groton, CT
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