In a remarkable display of compassion and solidarity, the humanitarian project "Huellas" has launched an initiative to provide a meaningful Christmas dinner to over 100 families in Guantánamo, who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Oscar and are enduring extreme poverty. Beyond just a meal, the campaign aims to bring material donations and a sense of hope to these families grappling with a profound crisis.
Leading the charge, activist Johanna Jolá Álvarez shared details of this heartfelt effort on her Facebook profile: "Our Huellas team is committed to offering a unique Christmas and year-end experience for those families surviving under dire conditions in Guantánamo," she wrote.
The initiative plans to extend its reach to the communities of San Antonio del Sur, Imías, Baracoa, Maisí, Yacabo, and Macambo, where the aftermath of Hurricane Oscar last October has left the situation particularly dire. Jolá emphasized that the project's goal is not just to provide a Christmas meal, but also to gather an array of donations to meet the most pressing needs of these families.
Among the requested items are clothing, footwear, toys, school supplies, medications, non-perishable food, and even furniture and kitchenware. "Huellas is opening its accounts so anyone wishing to join the Festival of Love can contribute," she announced, noting that donations can be made in Cuban pesos (CUP) or freely convertible currency (MLC). These monetary contributions will enable the purchase of food and other necessary resources for the event.
On December 25, the Huellas team plans to travel to Guantánamo to deliver donations, prepare the meal, and distribute it free of charge among the needy families. "In this sea of needs where they barely survive, we will prepare a meal that we will distribute for free. Let the essential ingredient be the love of everyone sharing, not from what we have in excess, but from the little we possess," expressed the activist.
The dire circumstances faced by families in Guantánamo, living in deplorable conditions, have prompted the Huellas project to rally the community's solidarity to provide them with aid and hope: "It is deeply distressing what our brothers in Guantánamo are suffering under such appalling and impoverished conditions."
Last November, Jolá reminded her social media followers that while Hurricane Rafael affected western Cuba, along with nationwide power outages and seismic activity in the east, the province of Guantánamo remained in a state of emergency due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Oscar. Johanna Jolá Álvarez, leading the “Huellas” initiative, emphasized on Facebook their commitment to returning to the area to continue assisting those affected.
As a testament to their dedication, the Huellas initiative dispatched a total of 300 boxes of donations to the affected families last October, demonstrating their ongoing support for those in need.
FAQs About Huellas' Christmas Initiative in Guantánamo
What is the main goal of Huellas' Christmas initiative?
The primary aim is to provide a meaningful Christmas dinner and material donations to over 100 families in Guantánamo who are suffering from extreme poverty and the effects of Hurricane Oscar.
How can people contribute to the Huellas initiative?
Contributions can be made through donations in Cuban pesos (CUP) or freely convertible currency (MLC), as well as by donating items such as clothing, non-perishable food, and other essentials.