Public Employee Press

Chile earthquake: How you can help

A catastrophic 8.8 magnitude earthquake and devastating tsunami waves struck Chile Feb. 27. Only a week later, a 6.9 magnitude quake hit the South American nation.

Chile is considered Latin America’s most earthquake-ready country, but despite strict building codes and emergency evacuation preparations, the quakes left the country with huge problems.

The record shock killed more than 500 people, destroyed over 500,000 homes and six hospitals and severely compromised water and power supplies. Two million Chileans have been displaced and collapsed bridges and damaged roadways make it hard for aid workers to provide assistance. The quakes virtually leveled Concepción, the country’s second largest city.

On March 10, the DC 37 Executive Board approved a $5,000 contribution to help the earthquake victims, and locals are encouraged to contribute to assist the people of Chile. DC 37 sent its contribution to the American Red Cross.

Members and locals can donate to the American Red Cross at P.O. Box 97089, Washington, D.C. 20090.

Please note in the memo portion of your check: Chile Relief and Development. The American Red Cross will acknowledge your contribution.

Initiatives to raise money for victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti continue at DC 37. Members of Electronic Data Processing Personnel Local 2627 voted at a recent meeting to contribute $4,000. After a snowstorm canceled the Black History Month finale on Friday, Feb. 26, the committee sold the food to raise funds for relief efforts in Haiti and Chile.