Group contributes to Ethiopian relief

Friday, June 23, 2000 | 10:24 a.m.

A Nevada charity group donated food and clothing today to help with famine relief efforts in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Mutual Association of Nevada donated more than $17,000 and 1,500 pounds of clothing. The nonprofit group is made up of Ethiopian-Americans who help immigrants and refugees adjust to life in America.

The donation was received by Food for the Hungry, which has been fighting hunger in Ethiopia for 15 years. In response to latest crisis, the organization has raised $5 million to assist 300,000 people.

They also support relief efforts in the Somali region, where many communities are reporting seven to nine children dying each week from lack of food, water and adequate health care.

The United Nations warns that 16 million people throughout the Horn of Africa are affected by a three-year drought causing crop failure, death and loss of livestock.

The Ethiopian Mutual Association can be reached at 791-5155 and Food for the Hungry can be visited at its website (www.fh.org) or by calling (800) 2HUNGER.