"One America" Expanded to Include P.R. and U.S.V.I.

FORMER U.S. PRESIDENTS’ "ONE AMERICA APPEAL” EXPANDS TO INCLUDE HURRICANE RECOVERY IN PUERTO RICO AND U.S.V.I.

Already expanded once to encompass Hurricane Irma recovery in Florida, monies donated through OneAmericaAppeal.org will now also benefit two official recovery funds in the Caribbean

Responding to urgent, widespread need in the midst of a catastrophic hurricane season, the “One America Appeal” today announced their efforts will also aid the recovery from Hurricane Maria after it devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Official funds in each location have been identified to channel donations for Hurricane Maria relief: Unidos Por Puerto Rico, and the Fund for the Virgin Islands.

Now individuals, foundations and institutions making tax deductible donations at OneAmericaAppeal.org may choose to assist all three recovery efforts from Hurricanes Harvey in Texas, Irma in Florida and Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – or to direct their donation to a specific recovery effort – using the drop-down menu in the website’s donation section. Checks may also be mailed to the address on the website.

Launched by the office of First Lady Beatriz Rosselló together with private sector coalition, Unidos Por Puerto Rico, or United for Puerto Rico, is a 50l(c)(3) organization staffed completely by volunteers. Donated funds will be processed by 1FirstBank of Puerto Rico and utilized under the direct guidance of the Office of the First Lady to help meet the immediate emergency aid needs of citizens. Eventually, funds will also be provided to help rebuild homes and local community facilities. The organization will provide the necessary material to rebuild these structures, as well as all-volunteer labor.

The Fund for the Virgin Islands was established by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has been operating for more than 25 years supporting past relief efforts in the region. CFVI is working closely with government and community providers to identify priorities and direct resources for immediate needs as well as long-term recovery efforts.

Funds donated to the One America Appeal are received in a special restricted account established by the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation to ensure 100 cents out of every dollar given go to assist the recovery from these highly destructive hurricanes. The other funds designated to receive support through the One America Appeal are: the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund; the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund focusing on the greater Houston region; and the Rebuild Texas Fund assisting communities across the state.

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