Houston Astros send 240,000 pounds of supplies to Puerto Rico

HOUSTON – The Houston Astros sent two airplanes to Puerto Rico this week carrying more than 240,000 pounds of supplies to help with relief efforts after Hurricane Maria.

Several of the Astros’ players and coaches are natives of the U.S. territory that was ravaged by the worst hurricane to hit the island in decades. 

The delivery by the baseball team’s Astros Foundation includes water, clothing, diapers and medical supplies. 

The chartered FedEx planes landed Friday, according to officials.

“It means a great deal to me that Jim Crane, the Houston Astros, my teammates, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and the National Association of Christian Churches, led by Pastor Jose Ortega, have all pledged support to the relief efforts in Puerto Rico, my home,” said Astros veteran outfielder Carlos Beltrán. “I’m extremely overwhelmed with the generosity and commitment that Jim Crane and his foundation and organization have shown by helping me help Puerto Rico. I know these supplies will be very important to everyone recovering from Hurricane Maria, and I thank everyone with the Astros Foundation for their efforts.”

The powerful storm has left both Puerto Rico and the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands devastated. Communication and aid have been scarce in the aftermath.

Reporter Ryan Korsgard will have more from San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, on upcoming KPRC 2 newscasts.

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