Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation, led by Vice Chair Paul Lopez and Secretary Aurora Venegas, collected and shipped more than 20 tons of relief supplies for Hattiesburg and Laurel, Mississippi, communities hard hit by Hurricane Katrina.

The food, medicine, water and medical supplies arrived in the towns on Tuesday, September 6. ILLCF was the first responder to the area, in advance of assistance from the Red Cross, Salvation Army and FEMA.

Two medical teams of doctors and nurses worked in the Gulf Coast area from September 19 to October 1.

In addition, ILLCF provided a Thanksgiving Day meal for more than 800 people in Gulfport, Mississippi on Tuesday, November 22. Some 550 turkeys were passed out to families with means to prepare a meal, and more than 400 jackets were provided to senior citizens and children.

The continuing ILLCF relief effort included 1,500 toys that were provided to children in Gulfport on Saturday, December 17.

The ongoing relief effort is a collaboration of the foundation, Park Federal Savings Bank, Lincoln Park Market, Azteca Supply Company, and Access Community Health Network.