SOCS Guatemala Relief Fund

UPDATE: There is still SO MUCH WORK to be done! The people need help. Carlos and I will continue helping these people for as long as they need it!

In the photo above, the police are loading the remains of 8 more people who were found, charred remains of only bones. These were found through the use of heavy equipment, rented by the families themselves, to dig through the tons of lahar left behind by the eruption. 

Please, if you can, donate any little bit you have. I promise it will go directly to the people here in Guatemala. 

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Life in Guatemala has always been hard, but on June 3, 2018, it got infinitely harder for the people living near Volcan Fuego. 

Located just outside Antigua, Guatemala and one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, Volcan Fuego erupted. It sent a massive smoke plume into the air in all directions and ash rained down more than 100 miles away. Lava shot into the air and down the sides and a new crater was blown through the side of the volcano. 

About three hours after the event started, a river of molten lava and mud inundated the very small, poor village of El Rodeo in Escuintla. It happened so fast, most people didn't have time to react. Those that did escaped with burns, as the 1300-degree liquid moved through town. 

At the same time, the ash plume gained in size and speed. It swept through other towns and its toxic gases instantly killed those in its path. 

The destruction has been described as being similar to Pompeii. The death toll continues to rise, and many are still missing. Many of those that survived are hospitalized with burns and respiratory injuries. Everyone affected is in need. The greatest need is for toiletries, water, food, and medicine. However, these people are so poor they cannot afford these things, even on a regular day. 

I am a school teacher living just 15 miles from the base of the volcano. I see its beauty every day. Yet, the destruction and damage I am now witnessing is beyond anyone's comprehension. The need is REAL for these gentle people. I want to help, but I can't do it alone. 

Would you please help? 

*** Many have asked exactly where the money will be going. My school is collecting anything and everything needed, so we'll be buying toiletries and necessities like soap, shampoo, deodorant, diapers, etc. and taking them to my school to be distributed to those who need them. Also, we'll be working directly with some  doctors in Alotenango, providing them with specific medicines and supplies needed in one of the hardest hit areas; in fact, we're going tomorrow morning to buy the first round of medicine and supplies.  Of course, we'll be updating here daily and including pictures. I can also supply receipts if requested. If you have any questions that I haven't answered, please feel free to email me. 

***NECESSARY EDIT: I received an email from the Gofundme powers that be stating the following: "...we will need you to do is clarify the fact that you will be in charge of withdrawing these funds to your personal bank account first, and then who you will deliver the funds to outside of GoFundMe along with how exactly you will deliver these funds." in order for them to release the funds collected to me to be used to aide the people here. So here it is: I will be in charge of withdrawing these funds to my personal bank account first, then I will use them to purchase the above-mentioned things: toiletries, food, water, medicines, plus additional medical supplies or other supplies they may need. Once these things are purchased by ME, my husband and I will take them to the necessary agencies (i.e. my school - where they are collecting things, CONRED (like FEMA in the US), Derechos de Los Humanos, etc.) to be distributed to those in need. Of course, transparency will be a priority; if anyone has any questions about how the money is being spent, please ask and I will provide photos of the receipts/facturas.