Senator Nelson pushes to get donations to Puerto Rico

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - CASA, an Orlando-area coalition providing aid to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, has been collecting donations for storm victims over the last 10 days.  Many involved in the efforts are frustrated, because they say the donated items have not reached those in need yet.

"This is shampoos, we have to separate stuff out," gestures volunteer Millie Serrano.

The group is known as CASA, because it's the home of 12 different organizations working together to help hurricane victims.

"The bad news is, it's not getting to Puerto Rico," explains coordinator and president of the Puerto Rican Action Initiative Jimmy Torres.  "The good news is that we have people that want to help."

"If we do not see this changing in the next day and today, then drastic measures will have to be taken," said U.S. Senator Bill Nelson

Sen. Nelson says he plans to call the Florida National Guard to see if they would be willing to use their helicopters to transport food and supplies to victims. Right now, only 38 choppers are in the disaster area, and he says it's not enough.

"The one organization uniquely qualified and trained to do that is the United States military."

He says it's been frustrating, seeing people wait so long for help.

"You've got to get the supply lines open and get it to other parts of the airport."

Volunteers like Millie say collecting donations helps mend the pain.

"It feels real good, because it takes my mind off my family," she says. "Praying and hoping that everything starts to rebuild."

People interested in donating should go to http://unidosporpuertorico.com/en/ or https://www.activadosporpuertorico.com/ or contact the American Red Cross.