Volunteers look for way to get donations to Puerto Rico, Mexico

NEWARK, Del. (WPVI) -- A group of local volunteers are packing up all the donations they have received, but are now searching for ways to bring the items to those who need them most.

Bebe Santiago was looking to help his home of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, as well as Mexico following the deadly earthquake.

He posted a video on social media asking people to bring supplies to his Newark, Delaware barbershop, New Creations.

And people not only watched the video, they acted.

So many have responded to Santiago's plea, he and a group of volunteers moved their efforts into a warehouse at 825 Dawson Drive.

Santiago can't believe what his call for action has turned into.

"Everyone helped. A little bit or big, everybody help and that's exciting for me," Santiago said.

Santiago said none of this would be possible without volunteers like Mary Ann McLane of Elsmere.

"I showed up. I said I was going to sign up," McLane said.

Santiago is also thankful for his friend Bruni Mercado of Wilmington.

Mercado said these donated supplies can't get to their destinations soon enough.

"80 percent of the island is basically damaged and uninhabitable." Mercado said.

The group is sorting out donations until 5 p.m. Sunday.

They say they have plenty of water and clothes, but are still looking for food and palettes to place the water on for shipping.

The volunteers are also in need of transportation for these donations to make it to Puerto Rico and Mexico - 1. a tractor trailer to get all the donations to the Port of Wilmington and 2. a pilot and a plane to get the items to their destinations.

Anyone who can help can call Brunie Mercado at 302-494-6212.

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