Massive supply drive underway to support Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

Adianez Ramos' voice quivers thinking about it. She lost contact with her uncle in Puerto Rico at 4 a.m. Tuesday morning.

"It's been very stressful," she said. 

"I know each Puerto Rican here hasn't been able to sleep since then. For us, it's the same story."

Millions of people are still without power and running water after Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico earlier this week.

Friends, family, and relatives from miles away didn't hesitate to help.  Five local businesses joined forces to form a non-profit called "Puerto rice nos necesita," meaning Puerto Rico needs us.

"I have family in Puerto Rico that have disappeared," said Marie Flores, a volunteer in the effort. "Being Latino and gathering everything our community -- Latino America -- I would like to give my support with this organization that we're collecting everything."

And everything includes bottled water, canned food, clothes and pet food. Since communication is limited, volunteers are loading up pods with the necessities.

"Every time we fill up a pod of 20 feet, we will send a container," explained Ramos.

Those from all over Latin America are lending a hand. It's people helping people. It's Americans helping fellow Americans.

"We need to join forces every single day, be together as a family," said Ramos. "Because at the end of the day, this time it was Puerto Rico. Maybe tomorrow it's Tampa Bay. Maybe the next month it's Peru or Colombia or another country. We will join forces again."

"And to see everybody cooperating, you know, it brings more hope that we're not alone," said Flores. 

If you would like to donate, you can drop off supplies at any of these five Bay area locations until October 31:

The Prestige Barbershop of Tampa Bay - Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

105 US-301 #109, Tampa

Los Gorditos Bar & Grill - Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

6110 Causeway Blvd., Tampa

La Fondita de Leo - Monday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

528 Cleveland St., Clearwater

Los Gorditos Food Truck - Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

3125 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa

El Rico Frappé Latino - Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

122 Pierce Christie Dr., Valrico

Items in need of donation: cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, water, canned food items, first aid supplies, baby products, flashlights, generators, blankets, batteries, pet food, mosquito repellent, wireless fans.