Where to Get Information, Offer Aid

For information about American citizens living in Mexico, contact the Consular Affairs Bureau of the U.S. State Department in Washington at 202-653-7959. The bureau is relaying messages from citizens through the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.

Because of the interruption of international communications, the Mexican Consulate General in Los Angeles is unable to furnish information about specific individuals or families in Mexico.

Mexicana Airlines operates a letter-pouch system, staffed by airline volunteers, for correspondence between Mexico City residents and relatives in Los Angeles and Dallas. Outgoing messages may be left at the airline’s ticket counter at Los Angeles International Airport, and messages from Mexico City will be distributed by airline personnel.

Those wishing to provide assistance to victims of the Mexican earthquake may contact one of the following agencies:

Monetary donations can be made to the American Red Cross, Mexican Earthquake, 2700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90057. Drive is co-sponsored by the Spanish-language newspaper La Opinion. In addition, automatic donations of $2 can be made to the Red Cross by dialing 976-9999.

CARE accepts monetary donations, earmarked for CARE Mexico Earthquake Fund, at 8354 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles 90048; telephone 653-7772.

Donations of money can be sent to the offices of Archbishop Roger Mahony, 1531 W. 9th St., Los Angeles 90015. Catholic parishes are also conducting special collections at all Masses this week.

Donations on behalf of Terremoto (earthquake) Mexico can be sent to the Mexican Consulate, 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles 90012, or to any Bank of America branch, account No. 0300 103 000.

Money and donations of such items as baby food and bottles, blankets, bed linens and toiletries are being accepted at the Mexican Chamber of Commerce at La Villa Market, 2214 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles 90011.

Monetary donations for reconstruction can be sent to Church World Service, 464 E. Walnut St., Pasadena 91101. For information, call 818-449-2714.

Monetary donations for reconstruction, rebuilding and services can be sent to the Save the Children Fund, P.O. Box 980, Westport, Conn. 06881.

Telephone pledges can be made through World Vision at 800-423-4200, or donations can be sent to World Vision, Box 0, Pasadena 91109.

Donations to the American Friends Service Committee’s special Mexican Earthquake Relief Fund can be sent to AFSC, 1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, or made by phoning 215-241-7159.

Monetary contributions to Mexican Relief can be made through the American Jewish Distribution Committee, Room 1914, 60 E. 42nd St., New York 10165.

The Pan American Health Organization can be contacted at 202-861-4325.