An earthquake devastated three cities in southern Peru on June 23. Thousands of people have been rendered homeless without proper medical assistance, food, water electricity and clothing. During a press conference at Glen Cove's El Tazumel restaurant on Aug. 30, members of the Peruvian Earthquake Committee gathered to launch a massive fund-raising effort to assist in the relief efforts for the earthquake victims. Ruben Salazar, the president of the committee, said, Úquot;We ask everyone in Glen Cove and in all of Long Island to help us help our brothers and sisters in Peru. I went to Peru and saw that the situation for the people there is very dangerous. The committee is grateful to the Church of St. Patrick in Glen Cove and the county Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for helping us in this effort.Úquot; Fellow committee member Octavio Peralta, who is originally from Peru, recently returned from delivering aid to the earthquake victims and described the situation during the press conference. He said the suffering is great in his home country and the need for everyone to help is monumental.

The proprietor of El Tazumel, (the restaurant is named for a historic landmark city in El Salvador), Felipe Villatoro emphasized that help is needed from all Americans, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.

On Sept. 1, the St. Patrick Church Hispanic community sponsored a Úquot;Gran Marathon' benefit in Glen Cove for the cities of Arequipa, Moquega and Tacna that were devastated by the earthquake. The event featured food, music, and dancing, singing and folkloric groups from Latin America.

Monetary donations in the form of a money order payable to St. Patrick's Church of Glen Cove can be mailed to Ruben Salazar, 19 Harmony Lane, Glen Cove, 11542. Medical supplies are also needed and if you can assist in that area, call St. Patrick's Church. All donations are greatly appreciated.