The Queens community is coming together for Puerto Rico in Whitestone.
The Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church will serve as a drop-off point for supplies to be shipped to San Sebastián, Puerto Rico. The drive will take place on Oct. 7 and 8 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m at the church’s Latona Plaza.
Supplies needed include non-perishable food (i.e. canned or boxed food and rice), water, snacks (i.e. cereal and cookies), over-the-counter medical supplies, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, toilet paper, laundry detergent, diapers, baby food and wipes, batteries, flashlights, mosquito repellent, portable grills and charcoal.
Please do not bring clothing, the organizers ask. The items collected will be packaged in a 40-foot container and shipped to San Juan.
The drive is being organized by Nancy and Mike Vargas, parishioners of the church, who are working with the mayor of San Sebastian, Javier Jimenez, to organize the logistics.
After the drive, Mike Vargas will be traveling to San Juan to work with other volunteers to ensure the supplies make it from the port to San Sebastián, where they will be distributed to families who need them through a local church.
The church is located at 14-51 143rd St. and can be reached by phone at 718-767-0095. Questions can also be directed to Mike Vargas at 718-928-9966.
