Queens Residents Rally To Supply Relief For Quake Victims

"Projections show that there could possibly be over 200,000 people buried under the rubble of the quake," said Gandhi. "It is extremely important, now more than ever, that we as a community provide aid for the people in India. Rebuilding is only one of Indias many needs."
Gandhi said his community has provided canned foods, cash contributions and articles of clothing towards the relief effort. He said he appreciates all of the cash sent by Queens residents, but urges people who wish to join the effort to send monetary contributions in the form of a check.
"It costs a lot of money to ship all of the money along with the clothing and food to India and it takes a lot of time," said Gandhi. "Checks would be easier to send to India than cash and it wont get lost in the mix."
Many community boards have been contacting relief groups to provide guidance for residents concerned about the tragic earthquake. Some boards are even pooling funds from office employees to support the effort.
"We are pulling our own funds together to help the people in India," said an office employee of Community Board 1. "It is the least we can do for those poor people."
Those who wish to make contributions to the relief effort in India should send their checks to the Jackson Heights Merchants Association, P.O. Box 40, Jackson Heights, N.Y., 11372-0040.
The Gujarat quake is a reminder of the 7.5 rumble that struck El Salvador and sent shockwaves throughout regions of Guatemala and Nicaragua. According to recent reports, the death toll has risen to 700 and there are more than 2,600 injured.
While many Queens residents have already contributed to the relief effort in Latin America, the American Red Cross and community boards from across the City reminds those who are concerned that the rebuilding process is far from over.
The Red Cross urges that any individuals who wish to contribute to the Latin American relief effort make cash donations. While checks are also excepted, the preferred mode of payment is cash because unlike India, sending cash would be more effective in providing immediate assistance.
The purchasing power of the U.S. dollar allows the Red Cross to maximize the value of cash donations, and that by using donated dollars, the local economy is stimulated, supplies arrive quickly and storage costs are minimized.
The Red Cross is currently operating 130 shelters scattered across El Salvador in schools, churches and public buildings, housing an estimated 50,000 people. The organization was one of the first relief efforts to distribute vital assistance to those in need in El Salvador. As of January 21, the American Red Cross is providing services to more than 100,000 earthquake victims.
To help victims of the Latin America disaster, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross International Response Fund by calling 1-800 HELP-NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (for Spanish speaking donors).
Contributions to the International Response Fund may also be sent to the Queens Chapter of the American Red Cross in Greater New York, 138-02 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, NY, 11435.