Meng to kick off supply drive in wake of Puerto Rico earthquakes

 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng. PHOTO BY THOMAS ALTFATHER GOOD VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

By Noah Singer

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng will launch an emergency supply drive for residents of Puerto Rico following a scourge of recent earthquakes that has caused widespread destruction on the island.  

Meng will collect necessities like water, non-perishable foods, menstrual products, first aid kits, baby formula and diapers.

“Our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico have been devastated by the earthquakes that have hit the island, and my heart aches for all who have been impacted,” Meng said. “We must not sit by and allow our fellow Americans to suffer. We must assist them in their time of need.”

The largest shock to the island has been a 6.4-magnitude earthquake on Jan. 7. Recent quakes have caused $110 million in destruction. 

Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vasquez is currently seeking a “major disaster declaration” from the White House in an effort to gather more resources for recovery. The U.S. government still owes the territory $18 billion in federal funding following Hurricane Maria, which occurred in 2017.

Meng’s supply drive begins on Jan. 15 and will end on Feb. 5. Meng will collect supplies at 40-13 159th St., Suite C, in Flushing. Hours for drop-off will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.