Puerto Rico continues to flounder in the midst of Hurricane Maria's aftermath, struggling to recover from one devastating effect before another hits. The category five storm destroyed the state's terrain, stripped it of power and communications, and has now claimed 34 lives, according to The Weather Channel.

About a month after Maria's destructive landfall, the people and elected officials are desperately looking to President Donald Trump for guidance and aid. Nearly everything at the forefront of news regarding this tragedy speaks of Puerto Rico's disdain for Trump's sluggish response time, and distasteful comments throughout the recovery period thus far. Most reports also go on to outline Trump's response to the criticism he has received.

The tendency of the media to exacerbate tensions and further divulge the cultural divide in America has left those who have been responsive and generous throughout this crisis unnoticed.

While it is both frustrating and newsworthy that the President may have abandoned Puerto Rico in its time of need, it is uplifting and just as newsworthy to hear that over $24 million has been raised for Hurricane Maria relief through corporate donations.

A number of notable corporations have stepped up to offer their money, services and products to those affected by the disaster. Among these benefactors are Elon Musk, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Coca-Cola, Verizon and many other big household brands.

Most of these companies have donated significant dollar figures to organizations that can play a more direct role in Puerto Rico's recovery, such as UNICEF and The Red Cross. Many of them have also contributed unique technology and services.

Musk and Tesla are sending over Powerwall battery systems, which harness solar energy, as well as company employees to assist in installation. Facebook dispatched an emergency telecommunications support team to aid in rebuilding communications systems. JetBlue is using their planes to transport emergency supplies to the island. Microsoft is even providing free Skype calls into Puerto Rico to allow people to contact their loved ones as connectivity is restored.

Puerto Rico is certainly entitled to the support of their president in these trying times, and that is not something that can be compensated for. However, in a more positive light, this tragedy has commanded the attention of many powerful people and organizations.

The business world has turned to its own finances and resources to offset the lack of response from the political world following Hurricane Maria. There is a lesson all of us can take from that.

Yes, we may be outraged by our president failing to act heroically for a group of his constituents, but instead of wallowing in our disappointment, we need to capitalize on this opportunity to exercise our own power.

The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster lists a vast number of organizations that are accepting donations, many of which have already begun coordinated relief efforts in the area.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Ricans may not have been able to lean on their president, however, they should be able to lean on their fellow Americans.