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Caitlyn Solei

The streets in Puerto Rico are flooded, making it hard for people to get around.

Hurricane Maria, a category 4 storm, hit Puerto Rico on September 20th. Kristy J. O’Hara, an author at World Vision, easily described it as the “strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years”. The storm destroyed everything in its path with winds up to 155 mph. Houses were blown to pieces, roads came apart, and power lines came crashing down. Currently, 4 out of 5 Puerto Ricans do not have power. Water, food, and transportation are limited, which has isolated many residents. The Guajataca Dam is in danger of crumbling, which would inundate many communities with feet of water. The leaders of Puerto Rico have described their current situation as “apocalyptic”. At least 48 people have died because of the storm. After the incredible destruction which was witnessed in Puerto Rico, there is speculation as to whether the island can recover.

Caitlyn Solei, a junior at South, wants to change that. After failing to reach her family in Puerto Rico after the hurricane, Caitlyn decided that she needed to do something to help. She began working with Buen Provecho, a Puerto Rican restaurant in Marietta, to collect donations and send them to the island nation, which also happens to be a United States territory. Once the donations were gathered, they were sent to Puerto Rico via airplane, and Caitlyn thought that the charity initiative would cease receiving additional resources. To her surprise, the restaurant continued receiving donations, which encouraged Caitlyn and her family to open a non-profit organization with Buen Provecho. Caitlyn’s family and the owners of the restaurant have been interviewed by CNN, Telemudo, 11 Alive, and other major news networks about their charitable work.  Caitlyn and other organizations have helped to provide Puerto Ricans with vital aid, but the resources that have been shipped still do not meet the needs of the islanders. 

Caitlyn has established a donation box in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center (PAC). She is collecting money and supplies that include air mattresses and pumps, insect repellent, solar camping lanterns, first aid kits, and pet food. For the full list, check out the posters around school or visit www.UnitedForPuertoRico.com. Presently, they are in desperate need of water purifying tablets, canned goods, and portable fans with batteries. Caitlyn asks that people do not donate clothes. She has been accepting donations from clubs around school, and invites others to do the same. There is no limit to how much a person can donate.

“It’s not going to take Puerto Rico a few weeks to recover, it is going to take more than six months to at least get them somewhat on their feet,” said Caitlyn Solei.

Caitlyn is aware that it will take a great deal of time for Puerto Rico to re-establish itself, but she’s willing to help the island for as long as it takes.

“It makes me feel very appreciative of what I have living here in Georgia. I can just go home and turn on the water or cook whatever. Puerto Rico had that, but now they don’t. They’ve been going without it for almost a month now. I feel good that I’m helping them out, but it’s also hurting me on the inside thinking that I can’t physically turn on their water for them or cook for them.”