Aurora alderman helping with Mexican hurricane relief

Aurora is responding to a global call for assistance to Mexico in the wake of the devastating destruction caused by twin storms, hurricanes Manuel and Ingrid.

The hurricanes unleashed torrential rain that led to floods and mudslides. More than 1 million people have been affected across the country, more than 50,000 have been evacuated from their homes, and roughly 100 deaths have been confirmed. Some of those affected, particularly in the state of Guerrero, have direct family ties to Aurora.

“For days following the disaster, I received calls asking how our residents could help,” said 2nd Ward Alderman Juany Garza, who has assembled a team to assist with local efforts. “There were efforts happening in Chicago, but none here locally.”

Alderman Garza and her Ward 2 committee are collaborating with the mayor’s office and community services department, Boy Scouts Three Fires Council, and Family Focus of Aurora to assist the hurricane victims by collecting items to ship to Mexico.

Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 18 at Family Focus of Aurora, 550 E. Second St.

In addition, items also can be delivered to 64 S. LaSalle St. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 11 and 18; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 12 and 19.

Organizers say items that are most in need are:

타 Toiletries: soap, shampoo, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes and diapers;

타 Medical: first-aid kits, bandages, crutches, portable wheelchairs and backpacks;

타 Food: soup, beans, rice, and canned foods;

타 Cooking supplies: corn flour and sugar cubes.

For details, contact Garza at (630) 499-5560