Cherry Hill woman working to get supplies to Puerto Rico

CHERRY HILL, N.J. -- Cherry Hill salon owner Wanda Mora is a little distracted these days because of the damage Hurricane Maria has done.

Her father is in a nursing home in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico and she still hasn't been able to get in contact with him.

On top of that she's personally spearheading a collection drive of food and other necessities for hurricane victims.

"I just felt like I had to do something. And I'm just one person and I really didn't know how much I could do, but I said why not try," Wanda said.

Wanda started a GoFundMe page that's already raised more than $30,000. And her Facebook page features the packing party in Camden Tuesday where dozens of people gathered to load up a box truck with the supplies. The truck is shipping out to Puerto Rico today

"I'm sure that the people from FEMA are wonderful people that want to help as well, but everybody has to wait for orders. I don't," Wanda said.

She plans to go to Puerto Rico October 7 to deliver the supplies in person with a team, including doctors and nurses who are paying their own way.

She hopes her government contacts on the Island will help her avoid the red tape she thinks is slowing down desperately needed help.

"I mean you have to have an act, you have to have something signed to get food to the people? They are dying and you know what? We haven't even seen the worst of it yet," Wanda added.

Until she leaves, Wanda will continue working at her salon and hoping for some word on her father.

"I'm sick over it. My father is 83-years-old. He has Alzheimer's, he's in a nursing home. I don't know if meds have gotten to him. I don't know if food has gotten to him," Wanda said.

She says the road to get to her father is blocked, and she is hoping it will be open by the time she gets to Puerto Rico.

----------

Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps