Marylanders Aiding Ecuador After More Than 600 Are Killed In Earthquakes
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Two back-to-back earthquakes rip through homes and businesses in Ecuador displacing hundreds of families.
It happened two weeks ago, but emergency workers are still scrambling to get aid and supplies to victims. Some of that help is coming from Maryland's Ecuadorian Community.
Gigi Barnett explains.
Widespread damage marks Ecuador's coast, it's the worst destruction in that country's history.
Officials say more than 600 people are dead and rescue workers are still finding victims trapped in the rubble.
Cristina Oviedo is from Ecuador. She saw the tragedy of her home country on television two weeks ago.
"It's hard to explain the need. There's thousands---the last time I checked the report, there were over 25,000 people who were just left with nothing," said Oviedo.
Since then, she and others from Maryland's Ecuadorian Community have gathered at a flea market on US-1, in Elkridge to collect supplies and aid.
RELATED: Hundreds killed in Ecuador earthquake
"If you have any type of reusable plates, if you have disposable items such as plates, glasses, cups that can be used, that is one of the items that are most in need," said Diego Vaca.
So far, they've seen an outpouring of support, filling this warehouse near BWI airport.
But so much more is needed.
"There are whole towns that have been destroyed. We need to have an ongoing effort because this probably, the emotion doesn't always last long enough but the need is there and the need is going to be there for months and probably for years to come," said Vaca.
Sending aid to earthquake-torn Ecuador.
The call for help Maryland's Ecuadorian Community is answering.
If you'd like to donate to the help earthquake victims in Ecuador visit one of the following locations:
PAFCE
13020 Bellevue Street
Beltsville, Md.
NATIONWIDE
11510 Georgia Ave St 11
Wheaton, Md 20902
NATIONWIDE
424 N. Frederick Ave.
Gaithersburg, Md, 20877
ROMINA OBANDO(Germantown) 240-380-7288
EL AMATE 2 RESTAURANT
2420 University Blvd.
Hyattsville, Md 20783
PATRICIA COBA
(Elkridge) 301-838-7589
EL RINCON TRONCALENO
426 S. Macon Street
Baltimore, Md 21224
SOCCERDOME 1y2
Jessup, Md.
Harmans, Md.
For more information CLICK HERE.
