Roxana Maldonado, a Cuban resident in Miami whose husband was deported two years ago, has set a heartfelt example of solidarity towards her hometown, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
In a video shared on TikTok, Roxana explained that she has bags of clothes, toys, and footwear ready to be sent to the provinces hardest hit by the cyclone, and she requested assistance to ensure that these donations reach those who need them most.
"I have been here in Miami for 21 years. I was born in Holguín and I have seen how Hurricane Melissa has devastated my town," shared the young mother, who is coping with the distance from her husband and the father of her two small children.
Despite her personal circumstances and logistical limitations, she insists that she cannot stand idly by in the face of the devastation her fellow countrymen are experiencing.
"I am in a very difficult situation and I will eventually be leaving the United States after my husband's deportation. But I need to help my people. I have all these things... I want to donate them to my community," she said.
Roxana has reported that the situation in Cuba - blackouts, poor connectivity, and deficiencies in infrastructure - makes it difficult for her to communicate with her husband, who lives in a rural area of the Island.
Nevertheless, it remains steadfast in its commitment to support those affected.
"I can't afford to pay for the pounds, but I have the items. Perhaps there's someone who can pay for the pounds and won't have to spend money on purchasing items. If they're willing to contribute towards the shipping, I can provide bags of what can be sent," he specified.
The gesture of the young woman reflects the attitude of hundreds of Cubans, both on the island and abroad, who have decided to organize to send aid to the most affected communities, amidst a context of blackouts, fuel shortages, and collapsed basic services.
The solidarity campaign "Giving is Giving," for instance, has begun collecting food, clothing, medicines, and essential products, with the aim of sending them to Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo.
The situation caused by Hurricane Melissa once again highlights the helplessness in which a large part of the Cuban population finds itself.
The destruction of homes, roads, and essential services has left entire communities isolated, while the government continues to provide an inadequate response and the population heavily relies on grassroots initiatives and the solidarity of the diaspora to survive the emergency.
The story of Roxana Maldonado is not only moving because of her gesture, but it also reflects the resilience and ability of Cubans to organize and support each other in the face of disasters, despite the barriers imposed by a state system that fails to provide effective assistance.
His call to share and collaborate has gone viral, mobilizing hundreds of people willing to contribute resources and volunteer to alleviate the tragedy in the eastern part of the country.
Filed under:
