Puerto Rico

Eleven days ago, hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico.  A massive and immediate response was required; predictably, the response was inadequate:

This made me cry. I can't say much more. #PuertoRico https://t.co/lOdoAeG0gD

— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) September 30, 2017

 I'll let the Crybaby-in-Chief waste time arguing about whether he's getting proper credit for the actions he has (or hasn't) taken, and instead urge everyone reading this to take action themselves, in the form of (you guessed it) making a contribution to one or more aid organizations.

First off --- I'll just say that I'm a bit dismayed that most of the commercials and so forth I've seen on TV are encouraging people to donate to the Red Cross.  Giving money to support Puerto Rico's recovery is great, but there is significant reason to doubt that the Red Cross is a good steward for that money.  Here are several other organizations I would recommend instead:

• St. John Rescue - Based in the U.S. Virgin Islands, this volunteer organizations works with governmental entities like FEMA to assist in rescue efforts.
• The Humane Society Disaster Relief Fund - Because there are pets, service animals, and other non-human lives suffering in Puerto Rico.
• Portlight Strategies, Inc. - Focusing specifically on disaster recovery services for the disabled.
• The Puerto Rico Community Foundation (This is page is in Spanish, which is what you should expect, when you think about it).
• Oxfam America - The U.S. branch of the British charity to address poverty and homelessness.
• The United Way
• All Hands Volunteers - A volunteer organization which helps communities recover from natural disasters.
• Save the Children - Focusing specifically on disaster recovery services for children.

Please give what you can, and pass it on!