“Cantor Relief Fund’s efforts in Puerto Rico were simply magnificent. Just over 200 people flew into San Juan with the same objective: instill hope and love into the hearts of strangers. After what was the most catastrophic storm in these people’s lives, we were able to provide not only financial support, but also a reminder that their voices and cries for help have been heard. It started at the top, where Howard, Edie, and Allison worked tirelessly with Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz to choose the families most in need, the distribution location, and how it was all going to be done. From there, the new alliance went straight to work ironing out logistics and preparing the Coliseo Roberto Clemente for the influx of people. Us volunteers, we had the easy part. We simply ushered families through the arena to grab their cards, then guided them back out. But, what outsiders didn’t see is the immediate connection that volunteers and aid receivers shared. Endless hugs, handshakes, high fives, and tears filled the Coliseo with a sense of familiarity; it felt like we knew these people, that their pain was our pain and their excitement was our excitement. The opportunity to share this experience with my fellow employees is one that I will talk about for the rest of my life. As a Puerto Rican American with immediate family members living on the island, I cannot help but feel like the Cantor Relief Fund sought out to help ME. These “strangers” and their culture have shaped my childhood, and the island has given me so much to be grateful for throughout the years. And now, at almost 23 years old, I finally had the chance to return the favor. What an unforgettable experience, and I cannot wait to see what the Relief Fund has in store for the future.”

– Jake