After the devastating passage of Hurricane Melissa through eastern Cuba, multiple citizen initiatives have arisen spontaneously on social networks to donateraise funds and deliver help to the most affected families.
From journalists and humanitarian projects to young people and Cubans living abroad, the wave of solidarity has gained strength in a matter of hours.
One of the first citizen calls was made the journalists Claudia Rafaela Ortiz and Andy Jorge Blancowho promoted fundraising from abroad via PayPal (@ajblancocu) intended for the purchase of food and household appliances for people who lost everything.
In their message, they explained that they will manage the resources “from the groundwork, with intention and strategy,” prioritizing families in vulnerable situations in communities of Santiago de Cuba, Granma and Holguín.
The organizers have also opened a whatsapp group to make the use of funds transparent and share the results of the aid.
Initiatives from within
From the Isle of Youth, the journalist Yuliet Pérez Calaña launched a collection of material donations —clothing, non-perishable food, toiletries, school supplies and toys— with collection points in Gerona and Santa Fe.
Pérez Calaña asked to accompany each delivery with “a dedication”, a symbolic gesture that also seeks to send “all our love” along with the material help.
He humanitarian project “Dar es Dar” activated three collection points in Havana (Playa, Vedado and Boyeros) to receive supplies, food, medicines and supplies.
Monetary donations can also be made in national currency through account 9227-9598-7801-5606. Its network of volunteers coordinates the logistics of transportation to the east of the country.
For its part, the Quinta de los Molinosa leading Havana institution in community work, opened its doors to receive clothing, toys, non-perishable food and supplies between October 29 and November 2, joining citizen collection efforts.
From the center of the country, the student and worker of the Universidad de Oriente Leidy López announced that, at her home in Ciego de Ávila, she will receive donations throughout the day to channel them to affected areas, thus expanding the network of solidarity support.
Call to donate from the US
The response has also transcended borders. The Cuban Mabel Cuestaresident in the United States, called on Cubans in Miami and other states to fill a container with humanitarian aid.
Food, medicine and medical supplies, essential items such as wheelchairs, walkers, diapers, syringes and over-the-counter medications will be prioritized. Donations are accepted at 7372 NW 12 ST, Miami, FL, beginning November 3rd.
“Let’s fill this container with the same enthusiasm with which we fill Facebook with wishes for a better Cuba!” Cuesta wrote on social media.
In a context of crisis and severe material losses, social networks have functioned as a key space to organize aid and make collective empathy visible.
Through platforms such as Facebook, X and WhatsApp, hundreds of Cubans inside and outside the country articulate efforts in a emergency situation like the one the east of the island is going through.
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If you know more initiatives to support the victims, you can leave the information in the comments.
