The City of Grand Rapids is teaming up with the school district to provide aid to the people of Puerto Rico, who face a humanitarian crisis after Hurricane Maria ripped through the island last month. GRPS and the city, working with Puerto Rico Rises, a Florida nonprofit formed by Puerto Ricans living in the U.S., is holding a donation drive this week to benefit hurricane victims.
The drive will be held through this Thursday, Oct. 19. While staff, student and parent donations will be accepted at all GRPS schools, the general public can drop off donations at the GRPS administration building, located at 1331 Franklin Street SE.
The following is a list of specific items that Puerto Rico Rises has requested. Please limit your donations to only these items:
- Bottled water
- Batteries (especially C and D)
- Portable water purification
- Solar lanterns and light sticks
- Solar cell-phone chargers
- Battery/solar powered radios
- Disinfecting wipes
- Tampons, pads and liners
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash
- Deodorant, shampoo and conditioner
- Adult and baby wipes
- Garbage bags
- Dry and canned pet food
- Canned goods such as spam, corned beef and tuna
- Canned beans and vegetables
- Canned baby formula and baby food
