Donation Drive Started for Palomas and Lomas del Poleo

November 14, 2008

Fr. Bill Morton displays photos chronicling an atmosphere of resistance and fear in Lomas del Poleo.

Two local women have started a donation drive help to make the holidays a little brighter and warmer for families in need in two impoverished communities along the border.

In Palomas, Chihuahua, the town bordering Columbus, NM, over half of the population is on the brink of starvation, according to town officials. People are selling their own clothing and shoes to buy food. Most families do not have running water, electricity or heat, and it is not uncommon for children to go days without food.

The town has been hard-hit by a downturn in tourism due to economic conditions in the U.S., as well as months of violence in border cities where rival drug cartels are vying for supremacy.

In Lomas del Poleo, a community outside of Ciudad Juarez, residents are involved in a struggle to keep their land, which is in the path of future development. They live in a compound surrounded by a barbed wire fence, and face daily harassment by paramilitary guards. They have no water, electricity or heat, and food is scarce.

Items needed include: gallon jugs of water, water containers, batteries, flashlights, kerosene lamps, warm scarves and hats, blankets, gloves and jackets (adult and child), rice, beans, sugar, coffee and toys (new or used).

April Willeford and Rebecca Wiggins, who have done graduate study and outreach work in connection with the Center for Latin American and Border Studies at New Mexico State University, said the drive will take place from Nov. 15 – Dec. 15. Donation collection sites include the Nason House (Espina and University), Mountain View Market, and The Bean in Mesilla, during normal business hours.

For monetary donations, more information, or to sponsor a specific child for Christmas, please contact: April Willeford, 575-496-7774, awillefo@nmsu.edu or Rebecca Wiggins, 575-541-4541, wiggins@nmsu.edu .

Written by admin · Filed Under Border, Featured