Chicago

How Chicagoans Can Help With Latest Disaster Relief

Chicagoans are rallying to help survivors of the powerful earthquake in Mexico and the series of hurricanes that recently hit parts of the U.S. and Caribbean.

NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago are working with the American Red Cross to support relief efforts. Click here to donate online to help people affected by Hurricane Maria, Mexico earthquakes, Hurricane Irma or Hurricane Harvey. 

Here are other ways to help:

  • Sears, in partnership with Prayer Network USA, will collect items like tents, blankets, first aid kits, feminine products and personal hygiene products to aid in the relief efforts. On Saturday, the Sears located at 4035 N. Cicero on Chicago's Northwest Side, will collect donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be a concert Saturday night at Iglesia Nueva Vida Church, 2910 N. Central Ave., as a fundraiser for victims. P
  • Places like the Faith, Life and Hope Mission in West Chicago have also started collecting donations of food, gently used shoes and clothing.
  • The National Museum of Mexican Art and the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance have teamed up to create a relief fund for both victims of the earthquake and devastating Hurricane Maria. An account has been set up with Wintrust Bank for donations, which will be given to both the Red Cross Mexico and Red Cross Puerto Rico. “The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance and the National Museum of Mexican Art have come together to assist our brothers and sisters in Mexico and Puerto Rico. We are one community and there are no cultural boundaries," Juan Mendez, chairman of Puerto Rican Arts Alliance said in a statement. Donations can be made via check at Wintrust's Pilsen branch, located at 1800 S. Blue Island, or online here. Checks should be made out to National Museum of Mexican Art with Chicago Mexico Puerto Rico Relief Fund identified on the memo line.
  • The Mexican consulate is also asking people to donate money to the Mexican Red Cross.
  • For a full list of organizations asking for help in their relief efforts for hurricane victims click here
  • Just as you helped NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago "Clear the Shelters" this summer, many of the same animal shelters are helping rescue dogs and cats in hurricane-ravaged areas to make room for pets displaced in the storms. If you are considering fostering or adopting an animal, click here for opportunities.

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake centered about 80 miles southeast of Mexico City rattled the capital 32 years to the day after a massive 8.0 magnitude quake killed thousands. The powerful quake killed at least 230 people.

Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico this week, knocking out electricity to the entire island and triggering landslides and floods. The extent of the damage is unknown given that dozens of municipalities remained isolated and without communication after Maria hit the island Wednesday morning as a Category 4 storm with 155 mph winds, the strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in over 80 years.

Hurricane Irma laid waste to beautiful Caribbean islands and caused historic destruction across Florida. The cleanup will take weeks; recovery will take months.

Hurricane Harvey, which hit Houston just days earlier, was blamed for at least 48 deaths, NBC News reported. Thousands were left without power, homes were destroyed and towns devastated.

Contact Us