Volunteers Help Feed the Families of the Trapped Miners
Thirty-three men have been trapped 700 meters below ground since the San Jose mine collapse on Aug. 5, 2010. CBS News' Fernando Suarez reports from the site in Chile.
SAN JOSE MINE, Chile -
It's one o'clock at Camp Esperanza, and as the sounds of generators buzz through the air, hundreds of meals are being prepared for family members who've set up camp at the San Jose mine.
"This is difficult, I am tired," said Monica Gaete in Spanish as she and her crew of volunteers prep for lunch. She's been commuting via bus to the mine from the town of Caldera, about an hour's drive up and down the mountain.
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"Our husbands are ready to kick us out the door," she said laughing referring to the amount of days she's spent away from her home helping the families.
Although Gaete has no relatives trapped inside the mine, she says she's built a relationship - a connection with the families. Volunteering here has become almost like an addiction for her.
"I'm sad to leave," she says, "but happy that this will all be over." She went on to say that part of her life will stay at the mine site.
Complete Coverage: Chile Mine Collapse
She hopes to see the miners when the surface and says she's been promised a traditional dance from one of the miners. "Quire bailar conmigo" meaning "he wants to dance with me" she said.
The camp prepares almost 500 portions daily for the families and workers. All of the food is donated from surrounding areas.
Despite her hard work, Gaete says in the end, it's satisfaction enough to know that the miners know all the work she and her crew have been doing.
"That they know - is everything to me," she said. "Now I'm ready for anything."
More on the Chile Mine Collapse:
Chile Mine Collapse: Drill Now 40 Meters Away from Trapped Miners
Chile Mine Collapse: Officials Decide Whether to Case Interior of Rescue Hole