State and local leaders in Bridgeport are coordinating Connecticut's relief effort for victims of earthquakes in Puerto Rico.

The recent earthquakes have left half of Puerto Rico without power.

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim and community leaders announced a citywide effort to raise money so those affected can purchase clothes, lanterns, canned food and other everyday supplies.

State Rep. Chris Rosario says the city learned a valuable lesson during Hurricane Maria relief efforts a little over two years ago.

"Getting items to the island and distributing them became a problem and an issue," said Rosario. "So that's a lesson learned and now we're looking to do monetary donations, working with organizations directly on the island and help stimulate the economy on the island and also get the services and the items that they need in order for them to ride this situation out."

Ganim says cash donations will be accepted at the East Side Senior Center on Jan. 18 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.