Operation USA to Aid Recovery Efforts in Mexico Following Major Storms
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 20, 2013 -- Operation USA, a Los Angeles-based international relief agency, announced today that it is assessing needs and will provide aid to communities near Acapulco, Mexico in the wake of major storms that struck the area earlier this week. The organization will call on existing partnerships with local agencies to effectively aid recovery efforts following massive flood damage.
Operation USA is calling for donations to aid in recovery efforts and funding for grant distribution to local agencies supporting rebuilding efforts. The NGO is also seeking corporate partners across the healthcare, transportation, water purification, shelter construction and power generation categories to provide in-kind supplies of which there is high need in Mexico’s storm battered communities, including Veracruz, Guerrero, Puebla, Hidalgo, Michoacan and Oaxaca.
In the areas hardest hit by Tropical Depression Ingrid, which battered Mexico’s northern Gulf coast, and Tropical Storm Manuel, which struck the country’s Pacific coast, flooding and landslides have caused extensive damage, building collapses and dozens of fatalities. The storms have also stranded thousands of tourists without power and with limited access to lodging, food and supplies while flights are grounded and highways are closed.
“Floods are challenging to respond to in an area like this as the population is mobile, access is limited in the immediate aftermath, and there is a necessary waiting period as the land dries out before rebuilding can begin,” said Richard Walden, CEO of Operation USA. “At this time, it is vital for us to work with our partners on the ground in Mexico to identify recovery needs, and to coordinate funding and in-kind donations from our supporters, so we can effectively hit the ground running when rebuilding efforts begin.”
Operation USA has previously provided support in Mexico aiding immediate recovery efforts following a major earthquake in Mexico City in 1985, and driving long-term projects in the years following, including the construction of three clinics. The organization has since maintained relationships with several local outlets in Mexico through which donations and funding will be distributed following this week’s storms.
HOW TO HELP:
Donations to Operation USA will be allocated directly to relief and recovery efforts in Mexico.
Donate at donate.opusa.org, by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, PO BOX 36188, Los Angeles, CA 90036-9998. Donations can also be made via text message: text AID to 50555 to donate $10. Text donations are collected for the benefit of Operation USA by the mGive Foundation and subject to the terms found at MGive.org/t.
Corporate donations supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts -- bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies, transportation and shipping services, shelter, power generation, water purification and medical supplies -- are also being requested.
United and Continental air miles can be donated to Operation USA through United Airlines Charity Miles program at United.com.
About OPERATION USA:
Founded in 1979, Operation USA helps communities alleviate the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid throughout the world. The Los Angeles based non-government organization offers material and financial assistance to community-based organizations that promote sustainable development, leadership and capacity building, income generating activities, education, health services, and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable people. Learn more at http://www.OpUSA.org.
PRESS CONTACT:
Mary Dolan
Operation USA
mdolan (at) opusa (dot) org
323-413-2353
Mary Dolan, Operation USA, http://www.opusa.org, +1 (323) 413-2353, [email protected]
Share this article