Giving to Those in Need
When Limecello invited me to join her blog for Hispanic Heritage Month, I jumped at the chance to share my thoughts on a variety of topics related to life as a Latina. But after spending the past few weeks preparing for and dealing with hurricanes Irma and Maria, the focus for many Latino families has rightfully moved from cultural celebrations to how we can help our families, friends, and, for those living in the areas affected, themselves in the aftermath of the storms’ devastation.
From the destruction of homes and businesses to the decimation of agricultural land, my mother’s native island of Puerto Rico and people who live there have suffered great loss.
There is much work to do. Rebuilding will take time and resources. So, as Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, my hope is to take this opportunity to share information for a variety of entities that are working hard to bring aid and assistance to those in need.
Maybe you’ve already donated in some manner. If so, your generosity is much appreciated. But if you’re seeking a way to help make a positive difference, perhaps one of these organizations is the right one for you.
Know that there are women, men, and children, young and old alike, who are thankful for your kindness.
Hispanic Federation
55 Exchange Place, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10005
Fondos Unidos de Puerto Rico
P.O. Box 191914
San Juan, PR 00919
Tel: 787-728-8500
Caritas Puerto Rico
201 Calle San Jorge
Esquina Baldorioty de Castro
San Juan, PR 00910-0812
PO Box 8812
787-300-4950
Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico
1719 Ave. Ponce de León
San Juan, PR 00909-1905
787-721-1037
Hurricane Maria Children’s Relief Fund
Save the Children
501 Kings Highway East, Suite 4000
Fairfield, CT 06825
PR fund
Save the Children Mexico fund
Maria & Irma: Puerto Rico Real-time Recovery Fund
ConPRmetidos
1511 Ave. Ponce de León Suite K, La Ciudadela
San Juan, PR 00909
787-773-1100
For more information about donating to help with relief efforts for the earthquake victims in Mexico, here’s a NY Times article that recommends several entities and provides a few tips on questions to ask before donating to any group.
I’m also happy to share the link for the #RomanceCares giveaway. The brainchild of romance authors Rachel Lacey and Mia Sosa, #RomanceCares has 30 romance authors teaming up to give away free books to those who donate to disaster relief in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands. Click on the links above for Mia and Rachel’s blogs that provide more details.
Whatever you give or however you help, muchísimas gracias! My family—both my immediate family and my Latino family as a whole—is grateful for your generosity.
A ZEBRA SHOUT FRESH NEW ROMANCE
Three very different Latina sisters. Three dazzling talents with ambition—and passion—to burn. And in this warm-hearted, sexy new series, three chances to figure out if the path to success can also lead to lasting love . . .
Ad executive Tomás Garcia shouldn’t even be thinking about his daughter’s alluring dance teacher, Yazmine Fernandez. Burned by a shattering divorce, he’s laser-focused on his career—and giving his young daughter, Maria, the secure home she deserves. Plus, he’s certain that with her talent, Yaz will be leaving Chicago and heading back to Broadway as soon as she can. But Yaz’s generous spirit and caring concern are sparking a desire Tomás can’t resist—and doesn’t want to let go . . .
For Yaz, good-looking workaholics like Tomás simply can’t be part of her life ever again. She owes it to herself to get back her confidence and fulfill the dreams her papá could not. She’s glad to spend time with Maria—and taste the family life she feels she can never have. And she’s sure that she and Tomás can keep their attraction under control because there’s so much at stake. But each unexpected intimacy, each self-revelation makes the fire between them grow hotter with every step—and every risk to their hearts.
Thank you, Limecello, for allowing me to share this information here! XO