Astorino, center: “humanitarian crisis”
YONKERS – With 44,000 residents of Puerto Rican heritage living
in Westchester, county officials Friday announced their relief efforts.
Calling the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria “a humanitarian
crisis,” County Executive Robert Astorino said employees of the
Department of Social Services are coordinating the effort. Baby formula,
diapers, blankets, bottled water, canned and dry pet food, canned milk,
non-perishable foods, soap, mosquito repellant, pain med and other items
ae needed. The items may be dropped off at any county office.
Astorino said while the carnage has hit so many people to one degree or
another, it touched home to one Yonkers resident, a DSS employee.
“With us today is Javier Vincens, who lost his aunt and uncle when
the roof of their home collapsed. And I know there are no words that we
can say right now to express our condolences, but on behalf of one million
people of our county, we are all so sorry, so sad, and keeping all of
you in our prayers,” the county executive said.
Astorino was joined by members of the Latino community at a Yonkers hurricane
relief kickoff on Friday.
