Guest Post by Dr. Antón

Dear Bowman Families,

The outpouring of support for our partnered school in Houston was amazing and so welcomed.  Thank you so much!

Over the past weeks I have been working with colleagues in Puerto Rico to identify a school in great need that we might be able to support in their recovery from Hurricane Maria.  Through the help of family, Bowman has identified an elementary school that  would love our support.  The school houses 336 students, 80% of the population was already living under the poverty level.  They are still without electricity and have limited cell service.  I have been in contact with the Principal of the school (although internet and phone lines are still not working consistently) and he says that the school is hoping to reopen on October 23.  While the school will be able to provide mid-day meals for children, the community has been devastated and there is a great need for water (and food) for the students and the community.

We have been very fortunate through the help of a parent, Dr. Limaris Barrios, to be hooked up with a contact from DHL to facilitate shipping. We are so appreciative that DHL is willing to provide this service for us.

We are asking for your help.  If you can donate either goods or funds, we will be facilitating our first shipment to the Escuela Benigno Carrión in Cayey hopefully by Monday October 16.  The following items are most needed:

– drinking water (either boxed already) or in the 2.5 gallon jugs (boxed if possible)

– non-perishable food items ( dried pink beans and chick peas; corn beef in tins, canned sausages and canned cooked ham, rice, fruit cocktail, breakfast cereal)

The Principal was clear that the greatest need is water.

In addition, most families in the community have lost everything.  If you wish to contribute, gift cards from Walmart or K-Mart would be welcomed.  If you want to contribute and you would like us to purchase the gift cards – you can send in donations with your child and we will purchase cards as we did for our partner school in Houston.

We hope that you will consider contributing to this Hurricane Maria relief effort by Monday October 16 if you are able.  We so appreciate this opportunity to help others.

Thank you for your support.

Mary