Donations for Puerto Rico may get moving with push from the NH National Guard

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MANCHESTER, NH – What a difference a day makes.

Yesterday, Yaritza Rodriguez was frustrated and in need of a miracle. Today, she has renewed hope in humanity, and faith that items she’s collected to send to victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico – where her family lives – will be transported.

After a story was posted Sept. 25 on ManchesterInkLink, Rodriguez received several potential solutions to the problem she was facing – a transport company out of Worcester, Mass., that last week had promised her free shipping on collected essentials, including water, diapers, batteries, and dry goods – reneged on the offer Monday.


⇒Related Story: Donations for victims in Puerto Rico from NH friends and family stuck in limbo


“We heard from Sen. Lou D’Allesandro. He’s trying to work something out with the National Guard,” said Rodriguez, Tuesday night. “We have our fingers crossed.”

D’Allessandro said he spoke on Tuesday with NH National Guard Major General William N. Reddel, who advised him that  Perry Plummer, Director of the NH Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, was “putting together a plan” to help transport the items.

“Perry Plummer is going to announce the plan (Wednesday), to get what people are collecting down to Puerto Rico,” D’Allesandro said. 

Rodriguez is waiting for word about that option, but said she also heard from a transport company in New York that is willing to ship palettes for $110 per palette, among other offers – some of which were not feasible due to timing.

“I have a lot of faith that we’re going to be able to get the shipment to Puerto Rico,” Rodriguez said.

She and her friend, Nico Daneault, have spent the past five days collecting donations from the community, which are being dropped off at Central Little League Club House.

“We had another box full of stuff dropped off this morning, and another case of water at my house, before I left for work,” Rodriguez said Tuesday.

Anyone with items to donate may contact Rodriguez at 603-341-0817, or find her via the Central Little League Facebook page.

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!