Pop star Jennifer Lopez joined Gov. Cuomo Sunday to launch a new state effort to funnel aid to storm-wracked Puerto Rico.
Pop star Jennifer Lopez joined Gov. Cuomo Sunday to launch a new state effort to funnel aid to storm-wracked Puerto Rico.
Officials will be collecting big-bucks donations from businesses and encouraging New Yorkers to drop off needed supplies after Hurricane Maria knocked out power and left much of the island in ruins.
“This is going to be a long, hard road for Puerto Rico,” Cuomo said at the announcement, which was also attended by Mets pitcher Seth Lugo and actress and activist Rosie Perez. “Puerto Rico needs help and needs it urgently.”
As part of the push, known as the Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort for Puerto Rico, the state is working with the Partnership for New York City to get businesses to kick in gifts starting at $10,000, which will be given out to local Puerto Rican charities.
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A donation drive will collect supplies like batteries, flashlights, portable lanterns, diapers, cases of water and feminine hygiene products at spots across the city and state.
Lopez said she would donate $1 million for relief efforts.
“Puerto Ricans are American citizens, and today Puerto Rican needs our help,” the Bronx-born singer and actress, who will co-chair New York’s effort, said at Manhattan’s Javits Center, where donations will be coordinated.
“The consequences have been disastrous,” she said, adding she still hasn’t been able to get in touch with some relatives on the island. “Lives have been lost. Power is down across the entire island. More than 15,000 people have been forced into shelters, and the storm has devastated the lives of thousands of others.”
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The Mets are asking fans attending games at Citi Field on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to bring donations, and supplies can also be dropped off at Citi Field on Thursday and Friday.
New Yorkers can drop off requested items at the Javits Center, the Shirley A. Chisholm State Office Building, and Jamaica Street Armory in Queens.
Teams of doctors and nurses will be heading from New York to Puerto Rico, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will send 45 aviation specialists to help at damaged San Juan International Airport and other airports.
Cuomo traveled to Puerto Rico Friday with emergency responders.
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He pushed the federal government to do more for Puerto Rico, saying New York’s congressional delegation would stand up for the island, which is a commonwealth and has a non-voting rep in Congress.
In a shot at President Trump, who spent the weekend blasting the NFL, he said “instead of arguing with football players,” leaders should “put the politics aside and focus on helping Americans in desperate need.”
