The Doña Ana County Health and Human Services Department is assisting community leaders in La Union and Berino by requesting additional donations of food, goods and services to help residents recover from flooding.
The Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, meanwhile, is warning of potential scam attempts already surfacing related to the flooding, with some unknown parties putting out donation cans at various businesses asking for monetary donations. Deputies have been unable to determine who is collecting the donations or whether funds are being used to assist flood victims. People wishing to donate are encouraged to do so through legitimate channels such as the American Red Cross and the Doña Ana County Health and Human Services Department.
No further donations of electric skillets, bottled water or clothing are required, but cleaning supplies – disinfectant wipes, mops, detergent, etc. – are still needed, as are shovels, squeegees and electric fans to dry soaked carpets.
In addition, there is a need for plywood, lumber and supplies to build ramps for people who need wheelchair access to damaged homes. Donations of building materials may be coordinated by calling (575) 525-5870, so that delivery can be coordinated directly to the sites where the materials are needed.
The Doña Ana County Health and Human Services Department is accepting all other donations at the main reception desk of the Doña Ana County Government Center at 845 N. Motel Blvd., in Las Cruces.
All donations will be distributed to residents in need. Residents who wish to volunteer to help with the recovery efforts may call Ralph Lopez at (915) 727-1251 to coordinate schedules and needs.