Los Angeles–The Los Angeles-based non-profit organization, People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) along with Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), KmB / Pro-People Youth, and The Park’s Finest are calling on the community to respond to the recent tragedy in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, the strongest typhoon ever recorded to hit land.

Reports indicate that more than 5, 300 Filipinos have lost their lives and over 43 provinces in the Visayas have been affected, with Tacloban now in ruins as the hardest hit. Haiyan is estimated to have destroyed 90% percent of structures in its path as it tore into the coastal provinces of Leyte and Samar. Overall, reports estimate that 11 million people have been affected.

The STP Relief Drive 2013 is collecting both monetary and material donations. The target of People’s CORE STP 2013 is to raise $ 25,000. The direct recipient of STP Relief is AID To CAPIZ, The Archdiocese of Palo, Leyte ( Tacloban City is in its jurisdiction) and the UNICEF is its partner organization.

People’s CORE Relief Drive Since 2004

Since 2004, it has coordinated relief drives with community-based organizations and small businesses nationwide to establish direct linkages with reputable non-governmental organizations based in the Philippines that reach the hardest hit populations. People’s CORE and its current community partners including JFAV, Pro-People Youth, and The Park’s Finest are looking to expand its community coalition to provide relief in the Visayas.

People’s CORE is launching the Sagip Tuluy-Tuloy Tulong Pilipinas (STP) Relief Drive, an ongoing campaign to provide support for rehabilitation in areas currently affected by Haiyan/Yolanda and the areas throughout the Philippines that continue to be affected by calamities and disasters brought on by climate change. People’s CORE’s mission is to empower the Asian Pacific Islander and general community in contributing to systemic social change through bottom-up community organizing

For a listing of suggested material donations, please refer to the list below. For monetary donations, amounts of $50 or greater are tax-deductible. Please make checks payable to “People’s CORE” with “STP Relief Drive” included in the memo. Monetary donations may be dropped off or mailed to the People’s CORE Main Office (please see below for address) during operating hours from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday – Friday, or by appointment. Supplies, non-perishable food, and new or gently used clothing can be dropped off at People’s CORE’s Main Office or other designated drop-off sites (please check back for updated list of drop-off sites).

DONATION DROP-OFF SITES
People’s CORE
1610 Beverly Blvd., Ste. #2, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Monday -Friday (9:00 am – 6:00 pm)

Monetary Donations Only
The Park’s Finest
1267 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026

Monetary and Material Goods
The House of Seafood
940 E. Dominguez St, Carson, CA 90746

Monetary and Material Goods
Asian American Advancing Justice-LA
1145 Wilshire, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Below is a list of suggested items for in-kind donations:
SUPPLIES:
· Backpacks
· First aid kits
· Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
· Antacid
· Vitamins
· Candles
· Matches
· Shampoo
· Soap
· Toothbrush
· Toothpaste
· Feminine hygiene items
· Flashlights
· Batteries
· Blankets
FOOD:
· Canned goods
· Dehydrated foods
· Granola bars
· Power bars
· Trail mix
· Infant formula
· Baby food
· Bottled water
· Drinking water purification tablets
· Disposable plates
· Disposable utentils
· Nonelectric can opener
CLOTHING:
· Light apparel
· Comfortable shoes or sandals
· Underwear (new only please)
· Diapers

Clothing for women, children, and infants are especially in need. Please note that we are unable to accept apparel not suited for tropical weather. Including heavy clothing such as coats, sweaters, mittens, or other cold weather-type items.

For more information about the relief drive, how to donate or volunteer, please call Christine at (213) 241-0995.