Great news! We finalized an agreement with the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services in Caguas, Puerto Rico to provide 1200 lanterns this year. These will be distributed to victims of the latest earthquake. Any lanterns not needed for that purpose will be stored for the hurricane season. This is a very efficient arrangement. SEI will pay for the lanterns and shipping to the port. SA agreed to pick up the lanterns, and pay port fees and customs. With your help, we can have a huge impact!
Puerto Rico is plagued by hurricanes and earthquakes. It is also a relatively poor territory compared to the rest of the United States. In spite of that, it tends to be a low priority for the United States government. When disasters strike, Puerto Ricans often to go extended periods of time without basic services. Light is one of them and light is what we do.
Light is critical after a disaster if families, and especially school children, hope to be productive after the sun has set. There are things that still have to be done, not least of which is simply find their way around their shattered world. And children still need to read, and if schools are open, do their homework. After food, shelter, and medical care, light becomes the next, and often neglected, priority.
With light at night, lives can return to a semblance of normalcy. Meals can be prepared, people can safely find their way around the rubble. Children, always our highest priority, will be able to continue their studies. By minimizing the full impact of the disaster, its long-term effects can be mitigated. The adverse impact on children's learning and their chances for future success will also be minimized.
