TAMPA, Fla. — Two groups focused on Hispanic and Latin American advocacy in Florida announced Thursday they're teaming up to help Puerto Rico earthquake victims.

Somos Puerto Rico Tampa is joining forces with the Course of Action Foundation to help people affected by the earthquake, which caused major damage in the southern part of the island.

They're collecting money this time, not supplies, a decision made after days of communicating with people in the areas affected.

“[The mayor] was telling me they do not need clothes, they do not need food, they do not need those things. They need other things and the biggest thing is going to be reconstruction,” said Somos Puerto Rico Tampa founder Jeannie Calderin.

They will be able to buy supplies if needed once they get to the island, since other parts are unaffected.

“We’re helping Puerto Rico twice if you think about it, because they need us right now plus we are boosting their economy using local people to buy things and the things that they need,” Calderin said.

The two groups have created a GoFundMe campaign to collect online donations. You can also donate checks at Rice N Beans restaurant in Wesley Chapel.

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