Cobb cops collecting supplies for Puerto Ricans hit by Hurricane Maria

Puerto Rico is putting itself back together after Hurricane Maria brought catastrophic destruction. Those in the United States territory, most without power, are about to get some help from nearly 1,600 miles away.

The Kennesaw Police Department announced Thursday that it is collecting donations that will be sent on a cargo plane.

“More than 3 million United States citizens are in desperate need of assistance,” the department said.

Kennesaw cops are working with other groups to ship either weekly or biweekly depending on the amount of items given, said department spokesman Scott Luther.

A week after Maria hit, more and more federal aid is coming to the island.

You can drop off the items below at the department headquarters, 2539 J.O. Stephenson Ave.

• Diapers

• Toilet paper

• Batteries (all sizes)

• Personal hygiene supplies (soap, toothpaste and other basics)

• Cold and diarrhea medicine (for both adult and children)

• Canned food

• Baby food

• Oatmeal

• Disinfectant wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Insect repellent (non-aerosol)

• Paper plates along with plastic utensils

• Bottled water