If you’re keeping up with world news, you know we’ve had a stream of hurricanes and earthquakes lately. My immediate reaction to these natural disasters is to not only find ways to help, but also to share those resources. If you’re looking to help, there are a few donation spots and online resources.

If you know of any other drop-off locations or organizations that are helping on a local level, please let us know and we’ll add them to the list.

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Puerto Rico

Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico this week, not too long after Hurricane Irma grazed the area. Hurricane Maria, however, was significantly more destructive and was the most powerful storm to hit the islands since 1932. Puerto Rico lost power, and rain is expected to continue for the next few days.

"Entire communities have disappeared."

Rebuilding Puerto Rico after Maria could take more than 15 years https://t.co/pNW5dJp8jL pic.twitter.com/zMEYQCAkt2

— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) September 22, 2017

If you’re looking to help, there are a few options:

• Unidos Por Puerto Rico is specifically designed to provide aid to hurricane victims in PR. You can check out their website to learn how to donate – unidosporpuertorico.com

• Street Fame Barbershop (537 Newark Ave, Jersey City) is a drop-off site for items to be sent to hurricane victims. They’re collecting water, diapers, batteries, canned goods, medical supplies, and socks.

• PACO (390 Manila Ave, Jersey City) is accepting donations. They’re collecting water, bleach, canned goods, batteries, and diapers for both seniors and children.

• The first of several donation drives in Jersey City will be held Saturday, September 23rd from 6PM – 11:30PM, hosted by Councilman-At-Large Daniel Rivera. It’ll be on Grove Street, between Newark Avenue and First Street. Items needed include bottled water, non-perishable food items, batteries and flashlights, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, lotion, toothbrush/paste, mouthwash, soap, body wash, baby wipes, hand sanitizers, diapers, first aid kits, and phone chargers.

• All firehouses in Hoboken are drop-off locations for items to be donated for victims. This includes water, non-perishable foods, baby food, diapers, towels, sanitary napkins, first aid kits, batteries, and clothes.

• ConPRmetidos is still raising money for hurricane relief, focusing primarily on immediate needs like shelter, food, and water. – www.generosity.com/emergencies-fundraising/maria-puerto-rico-real-time-recovery-fund

• Puerto Ricans in Action is raising money through GoFundMe to be used toward helping victims of the recent hurricanes. – www.gofundme.com/PuertoRicoHurricaneRelief

• Hispanic Foundation is raising money through “Unidos,” a hurricane relief fund for Hurricane Maria victims.

• Save the Children, UNICEF, and GlobalGiving continue to accept donations for hurricane relief. 

• Blood donations are helpful, as well. Look into local blood drives and make an appointment to donate (if you can).

• If you, like myself, have loved ones in Puerto Rico, you know the power is down and it’s difficult to reach anyone. You can try calling the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration hotline at 202-778-0710 to check on them, but please note that the lines are usually busy.

Mexico

This week, there was a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in central Mexico that resulted in collapsed buildings, broken roadways, and hundreds of deaths. This came just two weeks after an 8.1 magnitude earthquake hit the region.

Here are a few ways to help:

• Topos Tlaltelolco is a rescue brigade in Mexico. You can send donations via PayPal to donativos@brigada-rescate-topos.org. You can also visit topos.mx

• You can donate through International Community Foundation, Project Paz, Save the Children, UNICEF, GlobalGiving, Fondo Unido México, Red Cross, World Vision, and Oxfam. Salma Hayek also launched her own campaign to help raise money for UNICEF’s efforts.

• comoayudar.mx provides a large list of organizations accepting donations for earthquake victims.