MIAMI – Puerto Rico is said to be in crisis after Hurricane Maria, with nearly everyone still without power and more than one million people without safe drinking water a week after the storm hit.
Meanwhile, South Florida volunteers say they are struggling to get donations to Puerto Rico because of red tape and logistical issues.
Warehouses throughout South Florida are packed with donations bound for the island.
"The red tape is affecting us, and I think one of the easiest solutions that I know a lot of our state representatives and, I think, the governor has been asking for, is for the government to mobilize the Air National Guard or the Air Force," one volunteer, Eleazar Melendez, said.
Getting the donations off the mainland and onto the island is proving to be a major challenge.
"A lot of this has to go all the way to Jacksonville before it gets sent to Puerto Rico," another volunteer said.
Organizers and volunteers said red tape and logistics are major obstacles, coupled with a shortage of available planes and maritime cargo containers.
Delays in bringing the goods to those in need has been frustrating and saddening to many people.
"Reach out to all your state and local representatives," volunteer Sandra Madjdi said. "Put the press on Washington. Donald Trump, I want to hear you say, 'We love Americans.' And Puerto Rico, being one of your American territories, for you to take this, lift up whatever sanctions you have, whatever red tape that we're experiencing."
Lucy Rosenberger told Local 10 News that help can't come soon enough. She said she is also angered by the tone of President Donald Trump's recent tweets and perceived inaction by the government.
"These people really need the help, and they're not getting it," Rosenberger said.
Rosenberger's cousin found enough cell reception to post a video on social media. Rosenberger said she now knows her cousin is safe, but she can't say the same for her elderly parents.
"We can't get on a plane. The airport is right there. I can't get on a plane to help them," Rosenberger said through tears. "There's no way to get help for them. I don't know anything about my parents and I can't get to them."
Meanwhile, singer Marc Anthony announced this week that he and many other artists and celebrities are banding together to provide aid to Puerto Rico.
"We actually care and we're doing something about it and we're going to do something about it," Anthony said. "We've been extremely effective even in the past 72 hours in getting help."
