Phoenix organization helps with earthquake relief efforts in Mexico

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - It's been almost a month since a massive earthquake rocked Mexico, causing damage that will take a long time to clean up, but an organization in the Valley is doing what they can to help, thanks to donations from the public as well as businesses.

Volunteers are kept busy in front of Chicanos Por La Causa in Phoenix, piling in donations that will be sent to the hardest hit areas of Mexico.

"A lot of the people that we are trying to help don't want to go back to their home because their homes are crumbling and they don't want to be under a roof because the last time they were under a roof they were affected by terrible things," Emilio Gaynor said.

Gaynor is the director of International Development and he's worked with various partners, both in Mexico and across the Valley.

They've been organizing relief efforts since the quake hit on September 19, and almost a month later, he says the damage is still extensive and the need is still great.

"These people are living sometimes in tarps and in temporary housing, and these types of things like diapers, cleaning supplies, and dental supplies are very helpful to them," Gaynor said.

Which is why a big donation from dental benefits carrier Delta Dental is so important.

"We're sending about 1,200 toothbrushes and about 3,000 tubes of toothpaste," Mark Anderson said. "The basic essentials are so hard to come by after a disaster like this."

Their donations, along with the rest, will get sent to Mexico behind the last two truck loads that CPLC has already sent. Those trips will keep happening until people are back on their feet, which is a process that could take years.

"We really do want to make a difference," Gaynor said.

If you'd like to help, the need right now is for non-perishable items and necessities, such as diapers, wipes and dental supplies. You can drop off donations at Chicanos Por La Causa located near 10th Street and Buckeye Road.

Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC)
1046 E. Buckeye Road
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-257-0700
www.cplc.org