HOUSTON -- Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, with the assistance of team owner Jim Crane and two Houston businesses, has arranged for a cargo plane of supplies to be delivered to his native Puerto Rico on Sunday.
In addition, Astros outfielder Carlos Beltran is serving as an intermediary for a plane from New York to deliver food and other necessities to the island this weekend.
:: ALDS schedule and coverage ::
"Obviously, a lot of people are suffering from hunger, and they're going through tough times right now," Correa said. "So I just want to bring a little bit of help over there."
Correa said the plane, with the assistance of HEB supermarkets and Academy Sports + Outdoors, will deliver food, water and other necessities.
Crane has been active in Puerto Rican rescue work since Hurricane Maria tore through the island, leaving massive damage and little power, drinking water or essential services. He sent an earlier shipment of food and water, and he also ferried family members and medical patients back to the United States mainland.
"First of all, it shows the big heart that our owner has," Beltran said. "He's using his contacts to make this happen. He has been able to help us in so many ways. The situation is critical on the island, and the fact that he has been able to get involved really means a lot to me, and I bet it means a lot to Carlos and all the Puerto Rican players and coaches we have here."
Beltran and Correa said communication back home has been spotty, but as Beltran said: "Only 10 percent of the island has power. Maybe 40-45 percent of the island is starting to receive water, but it's not drinking water. It's water to wash dishes or take a shower. The situation isn't good.
"I know it's going to get better. I know it's going to take time. The whole infrastructure of Puerto Rico is down. The communication is not there. We're doing the best we can and will continue to and try to bring a little bit of hope and a little bit of help."