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AURORA, Colo. — The city of Aurora partnered with volunteers, residents and a local nonprofit to stuff trucks full of supplies that will be sent to Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria about one month ago. A spokesman for the city said it wants to do whatever it can to help.

“We hear there is so much need in Puerto Rico and this is a tangible way to react locally and get these goods delivered to them,” spokesman Michael Bryant said.

Volunteers parked at locations around Aurora on Saturday to collect goods from people and shoppers as they left stores.

“It’s a good feeling and they feel good doing it too,” Abe Baltazar said.

The city partnered with Antoinette Dow’s nonprofit Providers Resource Clearinghouse to help transport the supplies and store them.

“We are providing the trucks, the boxes, the pallets and everything and the storage unit to make this all happen,” Dow said.

Javier Del Rosario was shopping at Costco when he saw the tent and knew immediately he needed to donate.

Del Rosario grew up in Puerto Rico, and his family and friends are struggling in the wake of the hurricane.

He said being so far away and helpless is the hardest thing, so that’s why he was happy to drop off goods.

“That is the hardest thing. I want to go there but being that won’t do a lot so that’s the most difficult thing right now,” Del Rosario said. “This is a very nice surprise because we were not planning on this. It means a lot to me.”

The donation drive will take place again on Oct. 28.

The city of Aurora is asking for specific items:

  • Food (nonperishable items only)
  • Bottled water
  • Diapers (for children and adults)
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Solar-powered items
  • New portable generators

Drop-off locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 28.

  • Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Ave. (east parking lot, northwest corner of South Sable Boulevard and East Centrepoint Drive, across from Aurora Metro Center Station)
  • Walmart, 6101 S. Aurora Parkway (Southlands)
  • Costco, 1471 S. Havana St. (south parking lot near tire center)
  • Walmart, 5650 S. Chambers Road (Pioneer Hills)

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