The Hispanic community in Haverstraw is stepping up to help in the recovery efforts of Puerto Rico following several massive earthquakes that flattened homes and knocked out power.

Haverstraw Deputy Supervisor Isidro “Papo” Cancel is one of many Puerto Ricans who received images of the damage from family members on the island.

The community is organizing a fundraiser for the Caribbean island this Sunday at Caribe Tapas.

"When the chips are down, they get organized and help each other out. That’s what it is all about, helping each other out,” he says.

The group is also collecting donated items like toothpaste and toothbrushes, but they are also asking for things like tents and bug repellant because many Puerto Ricans are now sleeping outside.

The fundraiser comes as Gov. Andrew Cuomo deployed 115 National Guard members and packed his bags to travel to the U.S. territory to assess the damage firsthand.

Organizers plan to deliver the donations collected in Haverstraw within the coming weeks in the hope that it will help Puerto Ricans begin rebuild.

Donated items can be taken to:

Haverstraw Village Hall
Town of Haverstraw Hall
Village of West Haverstraw Hall
1/13-1/17
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Village of Haverstraw Fire Department
25 Fairmont Ave.
Haverstraw, NY 10927
Jan. 19t, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Fundraiser:
Caribe Tapas
4 Main St.
Haverstraw, NY 10927
Starting at 4 p.m.