FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Zakat Foundation of America Public Relations Coordinator, Nour Zein, 708-233-0555, [email protected]
CHICAGO -- October 17, 2017-- Zakat Foundation of America shipped hundreds of hygiene kits, gas cooktops, baby food and care kits to Puerto Rico to aid Hurricane Maria victims.
After the tropical storm’s devastating damages, Zakat Foundation of America brought relief to those in Puerto Rico, just as it did with the Caravan of Love for Texas and Florida.
The first shipment had included 2,000 units of baby food; 400 units of milk; 58 gas cook tops; 50 boxes of medical gloves; 40 gallons of medical alcohol; 40 gallons of medical soap; 30 boxes of wound dressing; and 80 boxes of medical cotton.
Zakat Foundation of America’s Regional Program Coordinator, Leticia Escamilla, arrived on the island Monday morning to assess the damages and distribute a second shipment of aid including hundreds of hygiene kits to those in need.
The hygiene kits included soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products and shampoo/conditioner, all items that were desperately needed and requested.
There is little electricity,” Escamilla said. “Hardly anyone is able to work because the city is running on generators, but still, they were happy and grateful to receive the hygiene kits.”
Only half the water on the island has been restored, leaving many in need of clean water. People are purchasing water, but it’s not always available, and the situation gets worse outside of the capital, San Juan. In addition, more than 90 percent of electricity is still unavailable.
Zakat Foundation of America distributed the hygiene kits in various parts of Loiza, Puerto Rico, known as one of the most deprived areas on the Island. The primary recipients of the hygiene kits included the University Pediatric Hospital; Taller Salud, a community nonprofit that focuses on battered, elderly and disabled women; and churches throughout the area.
Zakat Foundation of America continues its efforts in delivering aid to Puerto Rico by hosting its second “Volunteer Day” on October 15. Families and youth are invited to help package food kits for the victims of Puerto Rico and attach well wishes and kind words to the packages.
Event Details:
Location: Unity Center
7421 W. 100th PL, Bridgeview, IL, 60455
Time: Event begins at 1 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public
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Founded in 2001, Zakat Foundation of America helps generous and caring people reach out to those in need. Zakat Foundation of America’s mission is to address immediate needs and ensure the self-reliance of the poorest people around the world. Zakat Foundation of America conducts humanitarian assistance programs in more than 50 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.ZAKAT.org.
