By LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / November 9, 1998

LULING – Efforts are well under way all over St. Charles Parish to organizedisaster relief for Central American nations hit hard by Hurricane Mitch.

Also, in LaPlace, a local 4-H group is organizing relief efforts.

In St. Rose, Pat Elfer of St. Rose Tavern is gathering donations of cannedand dry foods, medical supplies, personal hygiene needs, baby needs, blankets and cash, working through the International Hospital for Children, located in Gretna.

Other necessary items include everything from toilet paper to latex gloves to blankets.

To contact her, phone 469-8416.

The International Hospital for Children is likewise asking for volunteer EMTs and paramedics to go to Honduras for two weeks. Spanish speakersare welcome but not necessary. Phone 263-7600.In Ama, Melinda Salinas is organizing a relief effort for Nicaragua. Shenoticed area news stresses Honduran relief efforts, but she notes Nicaragua has likewise suffered through Hurricane Mitch, with mudslides and flooding. In addition, two volcanoes have erupted and earthquaketremors have been detected.

Her husband, Sergio, is in Nicaragua, working with the International Red Cross. “It’s really, really bad,” she said, adding the real need is for life-sustaining donations such as bottled water, dry milk, canned and dry foods and blankets, along with medical supplies from latex gloves to aspirin.

To contact her, phone 431-7492, 431-0540 or neighbor Tiffany Nuccio at 431-0366.

In LaPlace on Monday, Nettie Ayme of the LaPlace Elementary 4-H is sparking a clothing drive for Honduras.

And, in Luling, the St. Charles Parish Red Cross office is acceptingdonations for Central American relief, according to Debra Adams. Twolocal 4-H groups will be sorting and boxing items. That office is locatedat 107 Maryland Drive, Suites D and E, phone 785-0647.

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