From left, Beatriz
Flores, Erica Leon-Torres and Freddie Pagan, listen to stories from Buffalo
residents who have family members in Puerto Rico struggling to get back on
their feet after hurricanes Irma and Maria. Freddie Pagan founded Mission
Puerto Rico 716, whose mission is to send relief to hurricane survivors in
Puerto Rico. On Oct. 11 the organization held its second meeting, at the El Batey Dance Center, 289 Dewitt St. Pagan co-hosted the event with his sister Erica Leon-Torres,
director of the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, and Beatriz Flores, community leader “We
need money donations, we need canned food and batteries, we need generators but
we really need volunteers here and in Puerto Rico who are serious about doing
this,” Flores said. The group set a
long-term fundraising goal of $30,000 to $40,000 for supplies. Attendees included business owners, and
individuals interested in raising money, including some who have already sold food,
wristbands and T-shirts. While the organization is dedicated to sending relief
to Puerto Rico, it also assists in the relocation of families in Buffalo. People
who are interested in donating can find more information on the organization’s GoFundMe account
and follow Mission Puerto Rico 716 on Facebook for updates on future meetings. By Tatiyana Bellamy and Edwin Viera
