Disaster donors lag after Maria
Red Cross got more money after Harvey, Irma disasters
Hurricane Maria wrecked the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, causing a near shutdown of the island’s economy and leaving most of its 3.4 million citizens without power and other vital goods and services.
As contributions soared to homegrown fundraising for the victims of Sunday’s Las Vegas shooting, those devastated by Maria have seen relatively small donations especially compared with money raised for those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, according to groups contacted by USA TODAY.
►T●★ Red Cross reported it collected $350 million in donations and pledges to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey, which slammed Houston and environs. It received $45 million for Irma victims and $9 million for Maria.
►Cat●olic Charities reported it distributed $2 million to its agencies in Texas, $2.4 million in Florida, $10,000 in Louisiana and $1.2 million to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
►U.S. Chamber of Commerce statistics indicate that corporations donated $270.8 million for Hurricane Harvey and Irma relief efforts in cash and in-kind donations. The Maria tally stood at $32.4 million.
Why the big Maria gap? Those raising money say a prime reason for lower Maria numbers has to do with its damage coming after devastating storms hit the U.S. mainland in Texas and Florida, which means donors are more apt to be financially or even emotionally tapped out.