Dear Friends:
All of Guatemala is in mourning over the tragedy of the eruption of one of its most active volcanoes, Volcán Fuego (Volcano of Fire). Without warning, its pyroclastic flow swallowed up villages and homes, leaving mostly women and children running for their lives. As of today, Wednesday, June 6, about 75 people are reported dead, 192 are missing, thousands are hospitalized with third-degree burns, and thousands more are in temporary shelter. It is estimated that about 2 million people have been affected.
The response of the Guatemalan people has been overwhelming with donations of water, clothing, and necessary hygiene products. The staff of Barbara Ford Peacebuilding Center, the youth from many of its programs, the Sisters and young women in our Formation Program, our community in Sololá, and our Guatemalan Associates have responded, and are collecting money that will be delivered directly to the families and communities at a later date when support from others dwindles down.
If you wish to help in this relief effort, you can make a secure on-line donation by clicking here. Please select Guatemala Volcano Aid in the “Designation” drop-down menu. You can also send your donation by check payable to Sisters of Charity by Monday, June 18, 2018. Please indicate, “Guatemala Aid.”
Anne Marie Gardiner
Director of Development
Sisters of Charity Center
6301 Riverdale Avenue
Bronx, NY 10471
Thank you for being the face of Charity to our Guatemalan sisters and brothers in need. Let us add the strength of our prayer to support them.
Are you accepting clothing and shoes as donations?
Thank you for your question and concern. The post office in Guatemala ceased operations a few years ago. The cost of sending goods via carriers is prohibitive. The most effective means of aid is monetary support that can be used to purchase supplies and clothing in Guatemala.