The recent series of natural disasters and their devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities has affected us all. Hurricane Maria moved destructively through Puerto Rico – leaving the island, and the wider Caribbean, in crisis. New York City is home to the largest Puerto Rican community on the mainland, and we know that many of your organizations work with students that have a very personal connection to this natural disaster. Even for those not impacted personally, many of us have wondered how to send aid and show solidarity. Below we’ve gathered a few resources on supporting students in the wake of tragedy and natural disasters as well as a several ideas on how expanded learning programs can contribute to ongoing humanitarian efforts in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Resources for Supporting Students in the Wake of Tragedy and Natural Disaster

• What Happened to My World – Helping Children Cope with Natural Disaster and Catastrophe – this booklet from Bright Horizons provides a thorough guide for how to talk with students about the impact of natural disasters and why they happen
• 10 Tips for Talking with Students about Tragedy – this list from Scholastic provides concise advice for tough conversations
• Responding to Tragedy: Resources for Parents and Educators – at this link Edutopia has curated a list of resources for handling tragedy, grief, and difficult current events in educational settings

Supporting Hurricane Maria Relief Efforts as an Expanded Learning Program

• Host a penny drive, or other fundraiser, and donate the proceeds to vetted relief organizations such as the Hispanic Federation’s “Unidos” Relief Fund, the One America Appeal (coordinated by all five former living Presidents),  United for Puerto Rico (put together by Puerto Rico’s First Lady), and Global Givings’ Puerto Rico and Caribbean Hurricane Relief Fund. Other relief organizations accepting donations can be found at this New York Times link.
• Collect supplies for donation to New York City’s hurricane relief efforts. The city has set up 18 donation drop-off locations for five critically-needed items: 1) Diapers, 2) Baby Food, 3) Batteries, 4) First Aid Supplies, and 5) Feminine Hygiene Products. Click the link for more information.
• Have students make cards of encouragement for Puerto Rican residents and attach these cards to donations.

If your organization takes on one of these projects or is hosting a hurricane relief project of your own, please let us know so that we can support and publicize your efforts.

Lucy Friedman