Following his hurricane relief drive for Puerto Rico last fall, Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) received a certificate from organizing partner Long Island Cares for collecting 2,126 pounds of donations. The drive was developed by New York State in response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria that left millions of people without power, limited running water and finite access to fuel. Governor Cuomo launched the Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort for Puerto Rico, working to provide needed services, goods and funds to help Puerto Ricans recover and rebuild.

The assemblyman collected donations through his online, as well as by placing collection boxes in his District Office in Bridgehampton, and at the Springs and Hampton Bays School districts. The drive ran through December 31, 2017.

Non-perishable food was donated, as well as supplies including cleaning materials, personal care products, flashlights, batteries, mosquito repellent and more. Collected goods were delivered to Long Island Cares where volunteers organized, packed and sent everything to the Central Donation Center at the NYS Office Building in Hauppauge, where it was then shipped to Puerto Rico.

“I want to offer my enormous gratitude to everyone who took time to make a donation to help Puerto Ricans who have been struggling to recover in the wake of Hurricane Maria,” stated Assemblyman Thiele. “I’d also like to thank the Springs and Hampton Bays School districts who graciously and enthusiastically took on the mantle and setup their own successful collection sites at each school.”

As Puerto Ricans face a long road of recovery, their needs for basic supplies will be ongoing. For those interested in donating, please contact Long Island Cares at 631-582-3663, ext. 113.

Long Island Cares is one of the region’s most comprehensive hunger assistance organizations, serving thousands of individuals and families in need.