2 Groups Seek Donations to Aid Hurricane Victims

Two Valley groups have organized to help victims of Hurricane Mitch.

* At Cal State Northridge, two student groups are organizing a drive to help victims by collecting clothing, food and other necessities to send to Central America.

“Project Relief,” sponsored by the Associated Students and the Central American United Student Assn. will start gathering supplies Monday. Those wishing to donate clothing, medical supplies, blankets, nonperishable food or cash can bring it to the Room 2737 of the Jerome Richfield building on the CSUN campus.

Joaquin Macias, president of the Associated Students, said his group is working to organize other campuses in the CSU and UC systems to join the effort to help the more than 2 million people who have been left homeless by the storm.

“It is a human tragedy in Central America,” Macias said. “In this land of plenty and of charity we can make a positive impact in the rebuilding of these countries.”

For additional information, contact Siris Barion of the Central American United Students Assn. at (818) 677-2737.

* In San Fernado, volunteers will also be accepting donations on Saturday. Volunteers are working with the consulate of El Salvador in Los Angeles.

From 1 to 3 p.m., people can bring food, medicine and clothing to a parking lot in the 900 block of Truman Street, between Brand Boulevard and North Maclay Street, said Tony Lopez of Mission Hills, an organizer.

Baby clothing is especially needed, said Lopez, 32. The American Red Cross will be there accepting cash donations, he said.

Oscar Benavides, El Salvador’s consul general, said his office has been able to confirm one plane to fly emergency supplies to victims. More planes are also needed, he said.

For more information, Lopez can be reached at (818) 365-1879.