By Jackie Budko

Multiple student groups gathered April 16 to support Puerto Rico disaster relief efforts that have been ongoing since Hurricane Maria struck the island in September.

Six organizations partnered to sponsor a free celebration in the Stamp Atrium to celebrate Puerto Rican culture and bring awareness to continued relief efforts that support the rebuilding of the country.

Danica Limon, a graduate coordinator for the Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy (MICA) Student Center, put together the event partially because it is a cause that is close to her heart. One of her friends lives in Puerto Rico, and has continued to send her photos and updates regarding the conditions in Puerto Rico since September.

“People don’t realize that help is still needed, and even though FEMA provided some assistance to the residents of Puerto Rico, they severely underestimated the amount of assistance that was needed,” Limon said.

Limon also organized the event in an effort to inform donors of organizations that directly help citizens of Puerto Rico. In a presentation to event-goers, she spoke of organizations like Comunidade, Techo and Construamos Otra Vida — all grassroots-level assistance in the reconstruction efforts.

Several organizations were present, including the Coalition of Latinx Student Organizations — a campus network that aims to unite Latinx culture and promote awareness across campus.

Dioni Gomez, a senior criminal justice major and president of the organization, felt strongly that the organization be there to show their support.

“Our goal is to encourage students to pledge donations,” Gomez said. “Whether it’s $1, or $2, any support is welcome.”

Also in attendance was multicultural sorority Sigma Lambda Gamma.

“As a multicultural sorority, we want to show our support to Puerto Rico because it is an important part of our sorority to show that all minority countries are important in some way,” said Alexis Peters, a sophomore food science major and vice president of marketing for Sigma Lambda Gamma.

Throughout the event, attendees were able to participate in traditional Puerto Rican Bomba Dance and have free food served.