Helping those affected by Laredo Flood 2010

I’ve been trying to collect drop-off points and information for those who want to help those who were severely affected by the flood. I also hope to post an interesting video of the Mayor and his interaction or lack of interaction with those of the largest affected area in Laredo – Los Martinez Drive.

1. The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is participating in assistance for those affected but they tell me that there is a city meeting planned for 10:30am this morning with those organizations who are assisting in Laredo. I will post an update on where the designated drop off points will be for material donations.

2. KSAT12 (if you are in San Antonio)

Check out the story here.

Chapman said she hopes all the supplies are loaded up by Monday for quick delivery to the flood victims. She said that help is needed to deliver the donations. Chapman added that more donations are also needed and can be dropped off Monday at 5337 Glen Ridge.

3. Pat Campos (from her Facebook page)

Don’t forget that UISD Police Officer’s Association will be at Peter Piper on Zapata Hwy (THURSDAY) collecting water, clothing furniture and other items for flood victims in the Rio Bravo community. Please drop off any items you may wish to donate.

4. Jsaz Belcher (from her Facebook page)

If anyone would like to make a donation toward flood relief- you can donate thru the Red Cross and earmark your donation toward the Rio Grande Flood. ~ THANKS!!! ~
San Antonio Area Chapter – Activities – News
http://www.saredcross.org

5. American Red Cross
Locally they ask for you to take water donations to the Laredo Civic Center, clothes and shoes should be taken to the established organizations like the Salvation Army, Bethany House or Goodwill but drop off points will be determined later today.

If you want to donate funds, the local ARS is coordinated through San Antonio and they can be contacted at 210-224-5151 or you can text Red Cross 90999 or you can drop off checks or money orders to the local office at 1200 Washington Street

6. Buitron Academy – starting at 9am today
Paul Buitron had formerly set up at Caesar’s Reception Hall but is now accepting donations of all kinds at the Buitron Academy starting at 9:00am today. Drop any type of donation to 220 Hillside Road or contact Dr. Buitron 956-401-4868.

7. Laredo Morning Times story by Nick Georgiou and Zach Lindsey

Several relief efforts are under way to help hundreds of local flood victims, the majority of whom still have no electricity in their homes and need essential supplies, from food and water to insect repellent and hand sanitizers.

Among those accepting donations are the American Red Cross, the Laredo Police Department, 4712 Maher Ave., and Gene Belmares’ campaign headquarters, 1502 Santa Ursula Ave.

The City of Laredo also created an account for flood victims at First National Bank.

8. Pro8News

Your good neighbor station is teaming up with the South Texas Food Bank, Guerra Communications and the City of Laredo to collect items for the people effected by the flood.
Starting Tuesday afternoon, through Friday we’re asking for your help. You can drop off items at Guerra Communications located on Jacaman Road or here at the KGNS Studios.

We’re looking for bottled water, canned foods, clothing, bedding, and toiletries.

During the next several days we’ll announce plans on how the items will be distributed to the different neighborhoods affected by the flooding.

Again, we’ll gladly accept any donations that can help the victims here in our studios or at Guerra Communications beginning this Tuesday afternoon.

9. Univision

Noticias Univision Laredo POR SU PARTE EL MUNICIPIO DE LAREDO YA ABRIO UNA CUENTA ATRAVEZ DE LA CUAL USTED PUEDE AYUDAR DANDO SUS DONATIVOS MONETARIOS PARA ASISTIR ALAS VICTIMAS DE LAS INUNDACIONES DE NUESTRA AREA. SI USTED DESEA COLABORAR CON ESTA CAUSA PUEDE HACER SUS DONATIVOS EN EL FIRST NATIONAL BANK AL PROYECTO FLOD ALEX, NUMERO DE CUENTA 101-0000-201-0000. LOS CHEQUES DEBEN ESTAR A NOMBRE DE LA CIUDAD DE LAREDO.

also legal help:

LOS ABOGADOS DEL “TEXAS RIO GRANDE LEGAL AID” LE AYUDARAN A CONTESTAR TODAS SUS DUDAS Y LE INFORMARAN SOBRE LAS AYUDAS QUE EXISTEN Y RECURSOS LEGALES PARA RECIBIR LA ASISTENCIA QUE REQUIEREN EN ESTE TIPO DE SITUACIONES…PARA MAS INFORMACION USTED PUDE LLAMAR AL 718-4600 Y AL 512-374-2764

10. Gene Belmares (from his Facebook Page)

They need cleaning supplies such as bleach and hand sanitizer. Mosquito repellent, toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste and tooth brushes), and also not bleach disinfectants for cleaning colorfast items. Laundry detergent as all clothes will need to be washed if they intend to salvage it. . While electricity is slowly being restored many do not … See More have refrigerators. Ice was in big demand today. While we will make efforts to cook on site, prepared food distribution is better due to logistics and sanitary conditions.

We open at 10:00am we will have someone there until 5pm.
There will be someone out at Los Martinez early in the morning to assist with some breakfast tacos as some residents have begun to move back into the area.

Despite the cries of “politics”, Mr. Belmares has been the most hands-on leader to date. He was not the only one asked by the people of the devastated area for help. It is unfortunate because the time people take to criticize could be the time taken to make calls and make things happen. One big positive is that he is now teaming with fellow councilman Joe Valdez. If they can stick together and focus on the people, they will be a positive force for many who were left with nothing. FYI – I don’t support one or the other for mayor and you well know that I do not support the current absentee mayor.

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More updates:

11. Jerri Lynn Ortiz of Bethany House:

Bethany House has been designated to be a drop off and collection point for clothing items. The City will be issuing a PSA to centralize collection of all other items at their warehouse on Calton Rd.

12. Fly’s Turkey’s (from Facebook)

just wanted to let everyone know that we are accepting donations as well! were dividing all donations and taking them to ALL areas that have been affected by the flood. We are located at 120 W village Blvd suite 111 right by Agave Azul. We just donated 3 cars full of donations to The RIO BRAVO COMMUNITY CENTER where we were informed that they are in desperate need of TOILETRIES and insect spray! THANKS SO MUCH!!

Fly’s Turkey’s

RIO BRAVO IS STILL IN NEED OF A LOT OF THINGS! via Meme Torres, Gilbert Gonzalez is the director of the Rio brave center u all can call (956)763-7735 they pass out the items to the family’s that the flood affected. I just spoke to him! THANKS!!