As you all know, Hurricane Maria, soared through Puerto Rico last week devastating the island and leaving historic damages. About 3.4 million Americans citizens have been left without electricity or water, some have even had their homes destroyed and flooded.
As some of you might have heard, the economy in Puerto Rico was already struggling before the hurricane and this will make it worst. Water, food, and fuel are scarce on the island right now, power will be out for months, cellular towers are down, and farms are wiped out.
I am from originally from Puerto Rico, a place I called home for 22 years and this has been one of the most overwhelming and numbing experiences I’ve ever had to face. I still have many family members and friends that reside there and the suspense of not hearing from them felt eternal.
So in efforts to help out, I wanted to take the time to write a post that can give recommendations on where locals can drop off any donations in the Tampa Bay area and a trustworthy agency recommended for monetary donations. Every little helps and I hope karma brings it back to you in 10 fold!
Monetary Donations
United for Puerto ( Unidos por Puerto Rico)
United for Puerto Rico is an initiative brought forth by the First lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló in collaboration with the private sector, with the purpose of providing aid and support to those affected in Puerto Rico by the passage of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María.
Tampa Donations Drop Off’s
4916 South Lois Avenue Tampa, FL. 33611
Drop-Off Hours: 11am – 7pm
REALVEST Florida, LLC
3820 Gunn Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
813-513-2814
Drop-Off Hours: September 25 to 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Club Pilates Carrollwood
13254 N Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL 33618
Drop Off Hours:
Monday – Friday (Sept. 25-29) 8am-6pm
BOZZ REALTY GROUP with Keller Williams Realty – New Tampa
23834 State Road 54 Lutz, Fl 33559
*Office building is to the left when you enter 54 U-store parking lot*
Drop Off Hours:
Monday – Friday (Sept. 25-29) 9:30am – 1:30pm
Brandon Porter Paint
1041 West Brandon Blvd. Brandon, Fl 33511
Drop Off Hours:
Monday – Friday (Sept. 25-29) 7am-4pm
Saturday (Sept. 30) 8am-12pm
Wesley Chapel Nissan
28519 State Road 54 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
Drop Off Hours:
Monday – Saturday (Sept. 25-30) 9am -9pm
Sunday (Oct. 1) 11am-6pm
Here are five Bay area locations running until October 31:
The Prestige Barbershop of Tampa Bay
105 US-301 #109, Tampa
Drop Off Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Los Gorditos Bar & Grill
6110 Causeway Blvd., Tampa
Drop Off Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
La Fondita de Leo
528 Cleveland St., Clearwater
Drop Off Hours: Monday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Los Gorditos Food Truck
3125 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa
Drop Off Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
El Rico Frappé Latino
122 Pierce Christie Dr., Valrico
Drop Off Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Other cities: //
List of items needed
- Non-perishable food (dry goods; can goods; beef jerky; nuts; crackers; granola bars etc)
- Baby Food (formula, wafers, food pouches, etc)
- Self-Care Items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, deodorant, shampoo, lotion, razors, feminine products, antibacterial hand wipes etc)
- Baby Items (diapers, wipes, bottles, powder, etc)
- Small Generators
- Batteries, Battery Operated Fans and Flashlights
- Tarps
- Manual Can Openers
- Paper/Plastic Plates, Plastic Utensils, Ziplock Bags, Paper Towel, Napkins, Toilet Paper, QTips, etc
- First Aid Kits, Allergy Medication, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Bandages, Off Mosquito Repellant, etc
- Household Cleaning Chemicals, Sponges, Rags, etc.
Check it all out and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you eternally for any sort of donation or help that you can make. In the coming weeks depending on the needs and news we continue to hear, Symphonic Distribution will be coordinating a blood drive or food drive at our new offices in downtown (as soon as we are fully moved.) We’ll keep ya posted and God bless!
Know of more drop off locations? Hit me up at janette@symdistro.com and I’ll add them.