Hispanics, Reid kick off donation for victims of Mitch

Erin Neff

Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1998 | 11:24 a.m.

Members of the Hispanic community in Las Vegas joined with U.S. Sen. Harry Reid this morning to kick off a holiday donation drive to assist the victims of Hurricane Mitch.

"We want Central America to know that Las Vegas, the meadows, is a place they can look to in a time of need," Reid told about 100 people gathered at Las Vegas City Hall to kick off the donation drive for Nevada Relief to Central America.

Werner Motz, a native Honduran who was visiting family members in his homeland two days before the devastating storm hit, begged for assistance for his countrymen.

"The whole country is destroyed," Motz said, wiping tears from his eyes. "Mountains came down and buried people. There was no discrimination - the rich, the poor were all hit."

Frank Canales of the Salvadorian Foundation of Las Vegas said dried food goods, blankets and medical supplies are the most needed items.

Money donations may be made in the name of Nevada Relief to Central America at Nevada State Bank by using account number 000-209-4092.

A number of businesses in the Hispanic community also are serving as collection sites for donations. For information: Call Frank Canales at Happy Tours travel, 380-3000.