CLEARWATER, Fla. — Florida heads into the season of giving, the Alianza Center is hoping to continue to help those in need, even after the holidays.

The nonprofit started a fundraiser to help families with children who need diapers. Officials with the group say the need has grown since Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

What You Need To Know

  •  The Alianza Center is a nonprofit that empowers Puerto Ricans to connect with organizations to build community

  •  The group started a fundraiser to collect money for diapers

  •   Officials with the group say diapers have become an even greater need for families after the recent back-to-back hurricanes

It’s a team effort for Eliseo Santana, as he volunteers his time to help community-led initiatives.

“We’re trying to get rid of some of that stress by bringing them things that they like, like rice,” he said.

That’s what Santana says the Alianza Center is all about — the group empowers the Puerto Rican community to organize and share resources that are available.

As the Gulf Coast manager, he’s always looking for more ways to help, particularly following the recent disaster.

“It’s so important for organizations like mine that are trusted in the community to bring others together, because when somebody is in need, we’re all in need,” Santana said.

He said it’s something he hopes to continue year-round, starting with a diaper fundraiser. He said the high cost of diapers can cause difficulty for some families.

“If you’re looking at spending $40 in groceries, or $40 in diapers, often the children suffer," Santana said. "And therefore, everybody in the family suffers."

He shared pictures of Alianza Center's first diaper giveaway last year.

Santana said diapers aren’t something everyone thinks about when it comes to donating, but he says after the hurricanes with many families and children displaced, there’s an even greater need.

“By giving them these diapers, we allow them to go to the local store and buy something,” he said.

The trade-off and buying power is more important than ever, as the community works to rebuild. He said the need will be there even after the holidays, and his organization plans to be there too, supporting people in any way it can.

Santana said diapers will be distributed with the help of churches and other organizations toward the end of the month once the funds are raised.