Groups Begin Collecting Supplies For Hurricane Victims
EL PASO, TX. – Residents are doing their part to aid the tens thousands of people displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Some have taken it upon themselves to begin gathering the needed supplies.
One enterprising group of students decided Wednesday to collect water. Hanks High School’s Student Councilheld a water collection at one of the busiest intersections on the east side of the city.
The El Paso chapter of the Red Cross, like others around the country prepared to assist the victims. Mark Matthys, executive director of the American Red Cross El Paso said, “Monetary donations are the most helpful to victims…this allows the Red Cross to acquire critical supplies in bulk near the relief and shelter sites, and issue cash vouchers to victims so they can meet their specific needs.”
Mr. Matthys also said that, “Cash donations also help us avoid the labor-intensive need to store, sort, pack, transport and distribute individual donated goods.” Officials say there are so many things that residents of New Orleans and all up and down the Gulf Coast really need.
Below is a list of itemsimmediately needed in the disaster zone:
water non-perishable foods flashlights (candles & matches) ibuprofen (and cold medicines) anti-bacterial wipes
To make a donation of any kind the El Paso Red Cross can be reached at915-592-0208. Collections points are starting to spring up around the area, with East Point Elementary (Zanzibar St.) in ElPaso andZia Middle School Las Crucesare just the firsttwo.
Additionally,ABC-7 wastold that all Howdy’s convenience store locations will be excepting donationsbeginning Thursday.
