A Coalition of 20 members from Reading School District (RSD), Centro Hispano, Palo Magazine, Rumba Radio 92.3, Double Tree by Hilton, Bethlehem School District, and WFMZ Ch. 69 News traveled to Puerto Rico from January 29 – February 3, 2020.  RSD representatives included the following Board of Directors: Dr. Noahleen Betts, Mrs. Rebecca Ellis, Mr. Julio Martinez, and Mrs. Patricia Wright.

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The READING CARES Coalition embarked on a humanitarian mission to provide essential necessities to the communities that were affected by the continuous earthquakes in Puerto Rico.  In less than three weeks, the group galvanized a community response that included creating 1,000 Care Packages, raising over $25,000 and visiting 14 tent city camp sites in the most affected cities in Puerto Rico. 

 

The READING CARES Coalition traveled with a police escorted caravan to communities that were most affected by the earthquakes and have had challenges getting the assistance needed.  The group visited camp sites in the following cities: Guanica, Guayanilla, Penuelas, Ponce, Sabana Grande, and Yauco. They were joined by 2 WFMZ News reporters, Perla Lopez Baray and Jim Vasil.  In addition to on the ground reporting and live shots used in the nightly news, they created a series of four stories to share with their viewership about the READING CARES efforts and the ongoing challenges those impacted are facing.

 

Prior to the humanitarian trip, the READING CARES organized a drive to collect the materials included in the Care Packages.  Donation drives for supplies used in the Care Packages were held at all RSD elementary and middle schools.  In addition, the following partners are also conducted donation drives:

 

• BCIU

• Breadth of Hope

• Carpenter Technology

• Cultural Law

• Double Tree Hilton – Hilton Cares

• Godiva

• HGSK Law Firm

• Lehigh University MBA Program

• Penske Truck Leasing

• Reading Area Community College

• Reading Classic Schwinn Bike Club

• Rumba 92.3 FM

• Safe Berks

• Sam’s Club

• UGI Energy Services

• UGI Utilities

• United Way of Berks County

• Visions Credit Union

 

READING CARES Day was held on Saturday, January 25th at Centro Hispano.  The goal of the day was to prepare the 1,000 Care Packages by 35 volunteers from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  We were pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support of volunteers and instead had over 100 individuals that assisted with preparing the Care Packages.  The following representatives from RSD assisted at the READING CARES Day:

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• Dr. Noahleen Betts

• Mrs. Rebecca Ellis

• Mr. Jesse Leisewitz

• Mr. Julio Martinez

• Dr. Jennifer Murray

• Dr. Yamil Sanchez Rivera

• Mrs. Patricia Wright