BUFFALO, N.Y. — Puerto Rico's been dealing with a scary and destructive string of earthquakes and aftershocks this month.
Chito Olivencia, a leader in the Western New York Puerto Rican community, told 2 On Your Side, "People are scared. People don't want to go out. You don't see them in the streets, even though its 80 something degrees and nice sunny out."
Olivencia is in Puerto Rico. He has felt the aftershocks.
"I fought the one where it actually just about shook me out of bed at 4 o'clock in the morning," he said.
The local community is meeting Thursday night to discuss ways to assist the people of Puerto Rico.
"It's very tough to get planes to send merchandise and medical stuff which is most important, along with food and diapers," Olivencia said.
Governor Cuomo was there this week visiting with the displaced. The state is sending bilingual mental health professionals to help out and fire inspectors to assess damage to buildings.
Governor Cuomo has already authorized the deployment of 115 National Guard members to Puerto Rico.
Olivencia says it is devastating.
"I can't believe this is happening, they are still recovering, a lot of areas are still recovering from Maria," Olivencia said.
Olivencia says he's been collecting blankets for people living in parks because they no longer have homes.
A press conference is being held Saturday at The Belle Center at 1 p.m. to announce more fundraising efforts for Puerto Rico.
Ladies of Charity on Broadway Avenue is accepting food, clothing, household and personal care items to be sent to the island.