Courtesy Photo | Pictured, from left to right, are Rei Morena, Dr. Donabelle Hess, Jennifer Gonzalez,...... read more read more
By Master Sgt. Floyd Ledesma
GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany - On Nov. 7, 2013, the Philippine Islands were devastated by the strongest storm ever recorded to hit landfall. Approximately 10,000 people lost their lives with many more injured or missing. Thousands of families were left homeless and in need of basic necessities. Soon after, the Filipino-American community of Geilenkirchen, quickly mobilized to gather aid for the people affected by this disaster.
All the Filipino-Americans, whom live and work in the local area, began organizing and holding a traditional food gathering at the NATO E-3A Component on Nov. 21, 2013, as well as donating time and food to feed more 350 Component and tri-border participants. The free lunch event raised monetary donations and helped increase community awareness for the Philippine’s plight.
At the same time, the local international community worked hard by collecting and packaging clothes, food donations and other supplies to send to the destroyed towns in the Philippines. Several GK base organizations and National Support Units donated time, money and necessities, concentrating their collection efforts on items which were specifically requested by disaster relief organizations. These items were gathered and stored until Dec. 15, when they were sorted, boxed and labelled for delivery.
In total, the local community raised more than 3,500 Euros through personal and organizational donations. Additionally, more than 200 boxes of clothing and supplies, weighing in excess of 4.5 metric tons, were also collected from generous people in the area. These items were shipped directly to the Philippines and distributed to the families and areas most affected by the storm.
This endeavor could not have happened without the generous support of hundreds of individuals and groups. The Filipino-American relief organizers would like to specifically thank the following organizations for their efforts:
- From NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen: The United States NSU, the Turkish NSU and the Team 5/6.
- From Aachen: FC Eintracht 1920 Kornelimunster e.V. Football Team and the Inda-Gymnasium-High School.
The organizers would also like to say a special thanks to all the individuals who provided time and support. Without their help, the families and victims of this disaster would not receive the thousands of supplies and donations, gathered from the generous people of NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen and local tri-border communities.
| Date Taken: | 12.16.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 01.30.2014 05:06 |
| Story ID: | 119841 |
| Location: | GEILENKIRCHEN, NORDRHEIN-WESTFALEN, DE |
| Web Views: | 187 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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