Red Sox manager Alex Cora brings supplies and relief help to Puerto Rico

Alex Cora led a relief trip to his hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico on Tuesday to help local residents recover from the destruction caused by last fall’s Hurricane Maria.

According to a report from CLNS media, Cora was also joined by Rick Porcello, Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy, and Red Sox assistant general manager Eddie Romero on the trip, which was also greatly supported by JetBlue.

A JetBlue cargo plane delivered almost 10 tons of supplies to Caguas, and the contingent also donated $200,000 to Caguas mayor Miranda Marin to help the area restore electricity. The visit occurred as FEMA was reportedly preparing to end their food and water distribution on the island, although that report has now been walked back by the agency.

Cora said of the trip, “Not to be selfish, but I’ve been looking forward to this day even more than (MLB) Opening Day.”

The supplies delivered included various medical supplies, water filtration systems, flashlights, diapers, and food products for those in need.

It’s been four months since the hurricane hit and nearly a million people are still lacking power on the island, amongst other complications and difficulties.

According to reports, the monetary donation included “Red Sox Foundation hurricane relief funds collected from fans this past season at Fenway Park, and contributions from Red Sox partners Seth Klarman, Henry McCance, and Herb Wagner” and donated directly to a fund set up for Caguas residents.

In addition to the necessities listed above, Cora was joined by Rusney Castillo, Ivan De Jesus, Jr., and Red Sox coach Ramón Vázquez to give baseball equipment and other gear to local children, all donated by New Balance, Franklin, and 47 Brand.

Cora thanked the Red Sox and JetBlue for the support.

“While many areas have recovered from the initial devastation of the storm, there is still a great need on the island for relief. I am thankful to the Red Sox who did not hesitate when I suggested a relief trip this offseason, and I am grateful to JetBlue for transporting all the supplies, and for the many organizations who made donations.

“To the fans who contributed this past season, and to Seth, Henry, and Herb, your generosity is above and beyond what I could have hoped for. Embracing this mission and helping the people I care so much about has made me feel welcome and supported by this city and organization in ways I could not have imagined.”

Cora’s efforts are the latest in a list of support from MLB teams and players that includes the Yankees, Carlos Correa, Derek Jeter and the Marlins, and many others.

A trip like this, including so many high profile participants and supported by multiple companies, is a reminder that there is still so much that needs to be done on the island. Just because the constant stream of fundraising news and updates has petered out the job is not done. Puerto Rico still has a long way to go.