In a particularly violent Atlantic hurricane season, Central America has had more than its share of devastating wind and rain. The problem is, the end is not in sight.
After Hurricane Eta brought death and destruction to nations including Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize last week, Tropical Storm Iota – the 30th named storm this year – was predicted to become a hurricane as of press time. And the citizens of Central America must again brace for the worst.
With many having roots and relatives in the hurricane affected nations, North Brunswick’s
greater Latinx community has banded together to collect essential supplies of men’s and
women’s clothing, food, water, diapers and toiletries. The Township of North Brunswick,
through the police department’s PBA Local 160, along with the Puerto Rican Action Board
(PRAB), Latino Action Network and National Coalition of Latino Officers, assembled collection points Nov. 14 and 15 with the hope of shipping supplies to Honduras as early as Nov. 16.
North Brunswick Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack, who is also a PRAB board member, acknowledged that public service is not a “9 to 5” proposition.
“I am so proud of our police department – especially Officer Fedor Salvador [Romero] and North Brunswick community leadership at this hour. Many that have gathered on a weekend have so much that they are doing right here at home financially and through grocery donations to care for those affected by COVID-19. To take on the additional effort of assisting those abroad speaks volumes of the township’s commitment to serve.”
Cuqui Rivera, a community organizer and member of PRAB, offered her thanks to the township as well.
“When we called, both the administration and police department answered. They made
it clear that the township was behind our efforts 100%. None of us can imagine what it is
like to face hurricane after hurricane and face the prospects of a major spread of the coronavirus on top of all the other tragedy. In no small way it is reassuring to know we have partners in this humanitarian relief effort.”
Henry Pena, state director of UPLIFT, a grassroots organization in Middlesex and Union
counties, also delivered multiple supplies to the main North Brunswick collection point at police headquarters.
“The response is awesome. This is about North America, Central America and South America. The key word is ‘America.’ We all come together in times of need and support one another.”
For ways on how to assist in Central American relief efforts, email Womack at mayorwomack@northbrunswicknj.gov.
- This article was submitted by Burton Trent Public Affairs
