Cambridge Police Collect Aid for Puerto Rico Hurricane Victims

CAMBRIDGE, MA - Even before the official start on Sunday morning, the drive to collect critically-needed aid for Puerto Rico already had the Cambridge Police station buzzing with activity.

Held on Sunday, Oct. 8, the "Drive 2 Support Puerto Rico" fundraiser was started by several Cambridge Police officers including Officer Mike Bustillo, Detective Agrait Collazo and Officer Ronaldo Benzan.

Over two dozen officers and Cambridge Police staff were on hand on Sunday, working alongside family members and volunteers from Cambridge. As cars pulled up with donations including bottled water, toiletries, and canned food, officers and volunteers transferred the items inside the police station where they were sorted, repacked and labelled.

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"We got together and talked about this with a few officers and then took it to Commissioner Bard," Bustilo said. "He was very encouraging and said 'absolutely.'"

Cambridge Police officers and volunteers gathered on Sunday, Oct. 8 to collect aid for Puerto Rico / Courtesy Photo by Cambridge Police Dept.

After getting the green light, Bustilo said they worked with officials at the City of Cambridge and started planning for the fundraiser.

"We wanted to do something," Bustilo said. "It's been tough watching things unfold from so far away. As officers its in our nature to want to help, we're all from different walks of life, different units but we all have that desire to help."

Earlier this week, Cambridge City Councilors voted to adopt four sister cities in Puerto Rico. Cambridge Police Community Relations Manager Matt Nelson said the items would be shipped off this coming week to the cities of Coamo, Orocovis, Salinas, and Jayuya in Puerto Rico.

Some of the aid collected by Cambridge Police on Sunday, Oct. 8 / Courtesy Photo by Cambridge Police Dept.

Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville Bard said he was proud of the members of the department, who wanted to make a difference and support the residents of Puerto Rico.

"Many are relatives of our officers and civilians -- who are attempting to rebuild their lives after the devastating hurricanes. Our officers and staff rallied around this important cause and the community responded well beyond our expectations," he said. "We are incredibly thankful for all of the volunteers, donors and members of the community who supported this effort."

Bustillo said his wife, who is Puerto Rican, didn't heard from here father for two weeks after Hurricane Maria hit the island.

"It's very sad because it is as bad as they say down there," he said. "Her father is OK but his house is completely destroyed."

Det. Callazo also has family on the island. Although they're safe, he said they couldn't escape the devastation of the hurricane.

"Many are reporting water damage and other issues, an aunt lost her house but they're ok and alive," he said. "And that's why we're here today, we just want to offer as much help as we can and we're hoping the commuinity will join us."

Bill Connell, who has spent 14 years with the Harvard University Police Dept., was one of the first people to drop off items on Sunday.

"The Cambridge Police reached out to a lot of local departments and we wanted to help," he said. "Last night we had someone make a Costco run and I was just fortunate to be on today and drop it off."

"With everything going on and Puerto Rico simply not getting the resources they need its important to chip in however and wherever we can," he added.

Inside the Cambridge Police station, Det. Collazo's wife Chrissy and daughter and Sydney packed and sorted items.

"I'm just stepping into help since we have family in Puerto Rico," Callazo said. "You feel a bit helpless watching it unfold on the news and we can't be there to help, but what we can do is what we can do and it feels good helping out today."

The fundraiser runs until 3 p.m. at the Cambridge Police Department on Sunday, Oct. 8.

The Cambridge Police Department encourages the donation of items that are critically needed for recovery. These items will be delivered to families from Puerto Rico directly affected by the storm. Below are among the items the Department and Associations are collecting to send to those affected by Hurricane Maria:

• Batteries
• Flashlights
• First Aid and Medical Supplies
• Personal Care Products
• Soap, Toiler Paper, Paper Towels, Toothpaste
• Mosquito Repellant

Photo by Dana Forsythe

Cambridge Police officers were joined by family and volunteers to collect and package aid for Puerto Rico survivors of Hurricane Maria.