HUMBOLDT PARK — You don't have to travel very far to help hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.
Many organizations and businesses in Humboldt Park and the surrounding area are hosting fundraisers, dinners and events to aid disaster victims.
Here are some to choose from:
♦ Puerto Rico Rises is hosting a fundraiser and donation drive at its headquarters, 3500 N. Kimball Ave., Saturday. The events runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Donate online by visiting this page.
♦ Head to Longman & Eagle, 2657 N. Kedzie Ave., from 7 p.m.-midnight Sunday for dinner, drinks and a silent auction. The restaurant will donate profits to hurricane relief efforts. Donations such as canned food, batteries and toiletries also will be accepted and sent to Casa Puertorriqueña. There will also be a silent auction.
♦ Lazo's Tacos, 2009 N. Western Ave., is held an event this past Thursday. Proceeds will benefit hurricane-relief efforts. Donations are still being accepted.
♦ Pop by Bucketfeet, 1647 N. Damen Ave. The shoe store is collecting items — shoes, diapers, baby formula and food, flashlights, etc. — during store hours and dropping the donations off at Casa Puertorriqueña, for those who cannot get to the Humboldt Park center. Store hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Mon-Fri; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sunday.
♦ Bring donations directly to Casa Puertorriqueña, 1237 N. California Ave., anytime from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays. The organization, which puts on the annual Puerto Rican parade in Humboldt Park, doesn't plan to end its relief efforts anytime soon.
♦ Drink coffee. Chicago nonprofit New Gotham Coffee Community is partnering with several cafes (Metric, 2021 W. Fulton Ave.; The Wormhole, 1462 W. Milwaukee Ave.; Passion House Coffee Roasters, 2631 N. Kedzie Blvd.; Ipsento, 1813 N. Milwaukee Ave. and 2025 N. Western Ave; and more) beginning on Saturday, for #CoffeeAyudo, to raise money for coffee producing Puerto Rico and Mexico. Learn more about the campaign.
♦ Perform. A community Hurricane Relief open mic at Irazu will feature talent from acoustic musicians, poets and stand-up comedians. Donations will benefit nonprofit organizations serving victims of the natural disasters and drinks will be served to those who donate. To sign up to perform, email Small Market Events, or sign up at the event. From 5-10 p.m. Oct. 8 at Irazu, 1865 N. Milwaukee Ave.
♦ Drop Off First Aid Items. Pop by Nick's Pit Stop in Bucktown with donated First Aid products. The family-run restaurant says they'll be donating items and soliciting money for a Apoyo Para Mexico GoFundMe campaign until further notice. Hours are 10:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, 2023 N. Damen Ave.
♦ Now's the time to pick up a T-shirt ($25) or hoodie ($45) from Giant, 3209 W. Armitage Ave. Right now, all profits are going toward worldcentralkitchen.org to help feed Puerto Ricans in need.
♦ Help the pets. Hurricanes don't only affect people, and many Chicago animal shelters are stepping up to take in displaced animals. On Saturday, stop by Camp Wiggles, 3647 N. Halsted St., between 10 a.m. and noon to drop off pet supply donations. A list of needed supplies can be found here. Later that day, Ald. Cappleman will hand-deliver the donated items to local shelters taking in the furry victims of recent hurricanes.
Of course, there are several other organizations, including the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, that are accepting both physical and monetary donations. Check out the city's official list here.
