The Cuban community in Miami has launched a campaign to collect food, medicines, and essential items to aid families in eastern Cuba affected by the devastating Hurricane Melissa.
From public figures and artists to anonymous activists and immigrants, a broad coalition has united to provide relief to those who have lost everything.
Titled "Aid for Eastern Cuba," the initiative is gathering toys, medicines, food, clothing, and hygiene products for those impacted on the island by Hurricane Melissa.
Donations will be accepted this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday by artists at the @va_cuba headquarters, located at 2994 NW 7 ST, Miami, FL 33125.
This effort is being coordinated by prominent Cuban exile figures, including @zurdo_mc and @awo_orumila_omo_o, alongside a team of volunteers dedicated to quickly and effectively channeling aid to the hardest-hit provinces: Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo.
Among the first to offer support are actor Lieter Ledesma, influencer Briancito, former reggaeton manager Teresa Padrón, and activist Samantha.
According to the organizers, the artist Raymon was the first to commit to the initiative, with dozens of singers, actors, and influencers joining within hours.
"Many spent the night at Costco buying products to send to those affected," confirmed the coordinators on social media.
Organizers explained that they are accepting non-perishable goods, basic medications, hygiene items, diapers, bottled water, and lightweight clothing.
All contributions will be categorized and packed by volunteers before being shipped by sea to the affected areas in eastern Cuba.
The collection centers will remain open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. throughout the three-day campaign. Additionally, contact numbers and digital platforms will be available for those wishing to donate from other cities in the United States.
"This is not a political gesture; it's an act of love and humanity. In eastern Cuba, there are children without homes, families without food, and elderly who have lost everything. From Miami, we want to show that the Cuban heart still beats strongly," stated Zurdo MC, one of the event's initiators.
Hurricane Melissa, which struck Cuba as a Category 3 storm, left a path of destruction in its wake across the eastern provinces, displacing thousands, flooding communities, and destroying homes. Images from Santiago de Cuba, Baire, Palma Soriano, and Guantánamo have deeply moved the Cuban exile community, prompting yet another wave of solidarity.
Supporting Victims of Hurricane Melissa
How can people outside Miami contribute to the relief effort?
People from other cities in the United States can contribute by using the contact numbers and digital platforms set up by the organizers to accept donations.
What types of donations are being accepted?
The campaign is accepting non-perishable food, basic medications, hygiene items, diapers, bottled water, and lightweight clothing.
Who are the coordinators of this relief effort?
The relief effort is coordinated by renowned Cuban exile figures like @zurdo_mc and @awo_orumila_omo_o, along with a dedicated team of volunteers.