Camino Real International Bridge at Eagle Pass, Texas, (bottom) and Piedras
Negras, Mexico

Volunteers needed for May 25 load-up for storm relief

By James Benavides
Public Affairs Specialist

(May 21, 2007)--On May 25, a team of UTSA students will gather materials for a relief mission to Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. The project is in response to recent tornadoes that caused severe damage to towns along the Texas-Mexico border.

Volunteers are needed between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Friday, May 25 to help load furnishings and other relief materials at the home of team leader Emi Sei. Call (830) 968-6664 for directions.

Sei, who led the UTSA Alternative Spring Break service trip to Piedras Negras, helped coordinate the relief effort, along with University Oaks apartments and Chisholm Hall Marketing Director Carolyn Garcia, who assisted in the collection of furnishings and other goods as UTSA students vacated campus residences for the summer.

Sei has spearheaded the majority of the effort with contacts on both sides of the border who provided information on where supplies are needed. She also rented trucks at her own expense to transport the relief supplies to Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras.

Financial donations are being accepted to help cover the cost of fuel and other expenses. Donations also are encouraged for relief supplies such as home furnishings, clothing, towels and linens.

A second relief mission is planned for the weekend of June 2 to transport larger items and any additional donations received to Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras.

For more information, contact Emi Sei at (830) 968-6664 or Carolyn Garcia at (210) 877-4005.