HOLYOKE – The city of Holyoke’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has been activated to help with relief efforts in Puerto Rico following the catastrophic damage sustained from Hurricane Fiona.

The response team is made up of community organizations, city officials and volunteers dedicated to helping their community during emergencies. Currently, a local business owner who is on the CERT is coordinating Boricua Care Packages. Volunteers gathered and helped build these packages on Sept. 19 at City Sports Bar in Holyoke.

Notable donations being accepted are gift cards for Walmart, CVS or Walgreens, anything solar powered, flashlights, matches, Ziploc bags, trash bags (32 gallons or bigger), toilet paper, baby wipes, hygiene related products, batteries, and food such as potted meat, Vienna sausages, beans and canned goods.

Working on the CERT is the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce who will be accepting monetary donations. These donations should be directed to the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, either by check or electronically. Donations can be made via Venmo@GrowHolyoke. Checks can be mailed and made payable to CHCCF, Attn, Hurricane Fiona, 177 High Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. No cash is accepted.

These are current efforts being made on behalf of the city in the short term. The CERT team also has been discussing a preparedness plan on how to respond when migrants make their way to Holyoke from the island. More information is forthcoming.