We’ve all seen the dark side of Facebook. The side where family members vent politically or ugly arguments arise between friends. Social networks can bring out the worst in us, in our peers, in that sweet classmate you’ve found to be not-so-sweet. The internet’s largely flawed, yet its potential for community is something we’ve never had before, a community I often forget to attend to.
I, like many, fall down cynical-internet rabbit holes. I’ve gotten lost on the red-pilled side of YouTube, where multiculturalism is frowned upon and anti-Semitism is welcomed. I’ve indulged myself in our president’s 140 character tantrums and belittled old high school classmates that openly push misogynistic rhetoric. I’ve consumed a lot through my multi-fluid digital screens. However, nothing has compared to the heaviness of this week’s consumption.
This week’s rabbit hole was a lot more personal. I, alongside thousands, was left glued to my television screen, my phone, waiting for an ounce of communication from my family stranded on the electric grid-less island, Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 hurricane, not only ruined the island’s infrastructure, but left children, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. all running on generators, with a subsequent three million people without power or running water.
As death tolls continue to rise, it’s difficult not to feel restless or hopeless, unsure of whether or not our families are safe, or trapped in a flooded house somewhere.
With headlines that read “If anyone can hear us…. Help us,” it’s easy to feel powerless, but thanks to charities like United for Puerto Rico, Global Giving, and Students with Puerto Rico, there are ways for us to bring back power to the powerless island. Below are a list of charities you can donate to that can supply food, water, and aid for the the victims of Hurricane Maria.
United For Puerto Rico
United for Puerto Rico is an initiative brought forth by the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló, in collaboration with the private sector, with the purpose of providing aid and support to those affected in Puerto Rico by the passage of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María.
You can donate to this campaign here.
Global Giving
Global Giving is the largest global crowdfunding community connecting nonprofits, donors, and companies in nearly every country. Global Giving helps nonprofits from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe (and hundreds of places in between) to access the tools, training, and support they need to be more effective and make our world a better place.
You can donate here.
Students with Puerto Rico
This is a group of college students from around the United States, with ties to Puerto Rico, who put together a GoFundMe campaign. Proceeds will go to United for Puerto Rico, the first lady Rosselló’s initiative.
You can donate here.
Unidos: A Relief Fund for Hurricane Maria Victims in Puerto Rico
The Hispanic Federation, along with New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio and U.S. Reps. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) and Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), set up this fund. One hundred percent of proceeds will go to hurricane relief and recovery efforts.
You can donate to them here.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an army ready to serve on multiple fronts, which is why they are serving disaster survivors of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
You can donate here.
