Miami comes to the rescue of the victims of the Guatemalan volcano
Guatemalans and people from other countries residing in South Florida are showing solidarity with those affected by the eruption of the volcano in Guatemala over the weekend, which left at least 69 dead people buried between lava and ashes. Five collection centers in Miami are receiving non-perishable food, diapers for children and adults, blankets, water, juices, first aid medicines, soap powder, among other products.
The organizers of the collection also ask for boots for the firemen who are in the rescue work "because they are melting due to the hot lava".
"It is such a great satisfaction to be Guatemalan at this time, because we have seen the solidarity of Guatemalans since the disaster, including people from other countries who have called to see how they can give monetary help, who want to collaborate in some way with our Guatemalan brothers" told to El Nuevo Herald Julieta Trabanino, secretary of the Guatemalan American Association of Miami (AGA).
Nearly one million Guatemalans live in the three counties of South Florida, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, according to Trabanino. The AGA is working together with the General Consulate of Guatemala in Miami to channel the aid needed by more than one million people affected by the fury of the colossus that erupted last Sunday and this Tuesday was still emitting eight to 10 moderate explosions per hour.
Trabanino said that they can also donate masks, antibiotics, alcohol, analgesics, serums, toothpaste, brushes, mattresses and feminine towels.
"We already have several shipping companies that are helping us to consolidate the cargo, at the moment one or two containers. Possibly the first container sails this Sunday", she reported. The collection of aid will be made during two weeks and if necessary the term will be extended.
The collection centers operate from 9 a.m. until 5 pm. and are located at Tikal Bakery, 1255 NW 1st, Miami, Fl 33135; Guate Cargo, 1418 NW West Flagler St. Miami, 33135; Jakalito Restaurant # 2, 33 NW 27 Ave. Miami, Fl 33125; Zuleta Miami, 8061 NW 67th St., Miami, Fl 33166; and Dorita, 20328 NE 16th Place, Miami, 33179.
"We ask all the Guatemalan and non-Guatemalan brothers and sisters and we are very grateful for the help they can give us because they are all in need and the most difficult thing is that the people who have been left homeless are of scarce resources and were left with nothing, losing many families and everything material", said Trabanino. "We make a call to all people who can help us", she added.
The Jewish Federation of Grand Miami (or as it is called in Spanish la Federación Judía del Gran Miami) has also established an emergency fund to provide humanitarian assistance to disaster victims and their families. To make a contribution, those interested can visit JewishMiami.org/guatemala or call 305-576-4000, ext. 428, or they can send donation checks with the annotation "Help Volcano of Fire" to the Jewish Federation of Grand Miami, 4200 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33137.
The Guatemalan Red Cross for its part reported that if people wish to make an international donation they can deposit in the account 3033699352 of Banrural in the name of the Guatemalan Red Cross.
The spokeswoman of the Department of State of the United States, Heather Nauert, said in a statement that this country will provide assistance to families affected by the eruption of the volcano and "sends its condolences to the loved ones of those who perished as a result of this terrible natural disaster.”
