The Mayor Michael Melham Civic Association is teaming up with Councilwoman Naomy DePeña and Board of Education President Luis Muñiz on relief efforts for residents of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic affected by Hurricane Fiona.
Among the items most needed are water filters/cases of water, batteries, lanterns/flashlights, backpacks, personal hygiene products, first-aid kits, baby formula, solar chargers, clothes, canned/packaged food and diapers for children and adults. The deadline to drop off items is Friday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. Donations may be dropped off at Town Hall, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as Zentia Martial Arts at 281 Main St., Monday through Thursday, 4-6 p.m.
All donations will be added to items collected in Newark and shipped to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic on Oct. 1.
For more information, call (973) 450-3345.
Hurricane Fiona made landfall in Puerto Rico on Sunday, Sept. 18 as a Category 1 hurricane. It left as much as 30 inches of rain in some places, leading to mudslides, landslides and loss of power and water for much of the island.
The death toll is at least eight, according to local officials.
Fiona also slammed into the Dominican Republic, where two deaths were reported. Shortly after making landfall, a state of emergency was declared in eight provinces, where several mudslides were reported.
“Even from more than 1,500 miles away, we can extend a hand of help and hope to the people of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic,”Melham said. “Let’s not forget that the destruction wrought by Fiona comes as people in that region were continuing to recover from the Category 4 Hurricane Maria five years ago.”
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