In the wake of the tragedy in L’Aquila, various organizations are aiming to help the victims and their families. “They need money to rebuild [their lives],” said Quintino Cianfaglione, President of COM.IT.ES.NYCT – “The Council of Italians Living Abroad. “Donate as much as you can.”
• The Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation (HBCDF) has formed an emergency relief committee to aid the victims of the disastrous earthquake in L’Aquila. The Foundation is requesting that all donations be made in the form of cash, check or credit card. Please make all checks payable to the HBCDF Earthquake Relief Fund. To learn more, contact the HBCDF at 163-33 Cross Bay Boulevard Howard Beach, NY 11414; 718-641-3880; Howardbeachcolumbusdayfoundation.com.
• The Italian American Museum will begin accepting monetary donations as well. Checks should be made out to “IAM EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND 2009.” They can be dropped off or mailed to the Museum, located at 155 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10013. Donations can also be made by credit card by calling the Museum at 212-965-9000.
• The Italian Academy Foundation, Inc., with its headquarters in New York and in Bisegna (L’Aquila) Italy, has announced that it will mount an effort for relief to earthquake victims. The Foundation will make its Bisegna facility, within the affected area, open to earthquake victims. In addition the Foundation plans a fund raising event in New York in the spring to raise funds for the continued relief of those left homeless by the earthquake and for related restoration efforts. To contact the relief effort, write or call: Italian Academy Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 9001 Mt. Vernon, N.Y. 10552; 914-966-3180, Ext.135.
• You can also send donations to Associazione Culturale Italiana Earthquake Relief Fund, c/o Capital One Bank, 67-09 Fresh Pond Road Ridgewood, N.Y. 11385
