Following last month’s devastating effects of Hurricane Rafael and Tropical Storm Sara, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 300 food packages to the National Emergency Commission of Costa Rica in November.
Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 hurricane, swept through western Cuba Nov. 6, 2024, with winds up to 115 miles per hour and traveled through various Central American countries and Caribbean islands, including flooding and landslides in Costa Rica. Thousands of people were left without a reliable source of food or shelter.
Some 30 members of the Church packaged food packages to be taken to the commission’s shelter in Cañas. An additional 26 volunteers also worked through the night, both in the Cañas shelter and in other commission warehouses, to unload and arrange the packages properly, as well as to attend to other needs related to the emergency.
Latter-day Saint Anthony Fonseca recalled the Savior’s love and example in serving others, which he said gave him the strength to carry heavy bags and deliver several packages of food. He stated that the experience has helped him in his preparation to be a missionary for the Church.
Three hundred packages of bread were also delivered to the Association Works of the Holy Spirit, which will be responsible for distributing them in other affected areas.
The Church is currently coordinating the delivery of another donation to the NEC for the central Pacific sector of Costa Rica, since the greatest impact was experienced on the Pacific coast of the country.
“What a joy I felt when I came to help and saw a group of young people and other brothers very happy and willing to help! I could appreciate the love of each one so that people can receive the help they so need,” said Liseth Herrera Chávez, a volunteer and member of the Church.
