Cambridge Police to Host Fundraiser for Puerto Rico on Oct. 8

One day after Cambridge Officials voted to adopt four sister cities in Puerto Rico, the Cambridge Police Department, the Cambridge Police Superior Officer’s Association and the Cambridge Police Patrol Officer’s Association announced a "Drive 2 Support Puerto Rico" to raise critically-needed items for Puerto Rico’s Hurricane Maria relief on Sunday, October 8 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Cambridge Police Department.

Cambridge Police Dept. Public Information Officer Jeremy Warnick said the events that occurred in Puerto Rico are deeply personal for many officers and non-sworn employees, some of whom have family who live on the island.

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"A number of those officers proposed doing this drive and it was strongly supported by Commissioner Bard and the rest of the police leadership team," Warnick said.

One of the organizers of the fundraiser, Cambridge Officer Ozzie Ortiz is from Puerto Rico said he's hopeful the public will help the local effort.

"The recent events and aftermath of Hurricane Maria has created so much devastation in Puerto Rico. Many families, including some related to our officers, are struggling to recover and this is one way we as a community can help out in the short-term," he said. "It'll make a difference."

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

All donated items must be non-perishable, not second-hand, nor contain any liquids of any kind. Open or unsealed donations of food or hygiene supplies will not be accepted. Wet wipes will also not be accepted. Any other items will be kindly returned.

Donations will be accepted during the hours of 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. Officers and members of the Cambridge Police Department will be available throughout that timeframe to accept donations. They will also be providing food and refreshments to donors.

Donations will be accepted on the Rogers Street side of the building.

Courtesy Photo by Giovanni Gonzalez / La Fabrica

Staff at La Fabrica in Cambridge collect donations for Puerto Rico relief efforts on Sept. 24.