HARTFORD RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO OPEN HEARTS

 IN WAKE OF TWO NATURAL DISASTERS

---NEWS RELEASE---

(August 20, 2007)--- Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez and members of the Court of Common Council are deeply concerned about how recent natural disasters are having an affect on families world wide--- including right here in Hartford. 

Mayor Perez and Council Members encourage the outpouring of support from Hartford residents and community groups in the wake of the deadly earthquake that has rocked Peru and Hurricane Dean that has devastated the Caribbean and is now wrecking havoc on Mexico.

Mayor Perez says, “Hartford is a generous and caring city.  Our people, our businesses, and our community organizations have always given from the heart.  Family and friends have been affected and Mother Nature has ripped away at part of the very cultural fabric of Hartford.  I ask the we, as New England’s Rising Star, once again rise to the occasion, and give to agencies and organizations that can help people who have lost everything.”

Non-perishable food items and clothing can be taken to:

Consulate General of Peru

250D Main Street

Hartford, CT 06106

Hours:  Monday-Friday:  8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

             Saturday (8/25):  8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The West Indian Foundation is coordinating the Caribbean relief effort.  Checks can be taken to any local branch of Webster Bank and made out to the “Caribbean Hurricane Relief Fund.”