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Tuesday, September 1, 1998

Local Salvation Army officer details Del Rio tragedy

By TANYA EISERER

Staff Writer

Salvation Army Capt. Edward Alonzo has seen the devastation of the Del Rio flooding first hand.

Last week, remnants of Tropical Storm Charley washed away blocks of homes and killed at least 15 people in this South Texas town of about 34,000 residents.

Alonzo, head of the Abilene Salvation Army, and three staff members traveled to Del Rio Thursday to distribute food and other necessities to flood-stricken victims. They plan to remain until Saturday or Sunday, when other Salvation Army workers replace them.

"The area is devastated," said Alonzo, who was called to the Del Rio, in part, because he speaks Spanish. "The flooding has destroyed people's homes and lives."

Alonzo said the town of Del Rio did not have drinking water until Sunday. He and his staff members were forced to use bottled water to bathe and brush their teeth.

He estimated the food distribution center, which has been set up in an old H-E-B building, has served nearly 8,000 people in a three-day period. Alonzo said the Del Rio residents were grateful for the help provided by the army and other agencies.

"I don't know what we would have done without the Salvation Army," said Estela Dominguez, a Del Rio resident.

Dominguez, a kindergarten teacher, volunteered to assist the Salvation Army relief efforts.

"I figured that was the best way to spend my time, helping someone else," she said.

Dominguez said many of her friends are without food, clothes and shelter. Among the people the Army's served, Alonzo said one family who came in for help had just buried their daughter.

"I don't think they've had the opportunity to realize what's happened to them," Alonzo said.

The captain also appealed to residents of the Big Country to open their pantries and checkbooks.

"We need food, canned goods, staples, baby foods, sugar, rice, flour," he said.

Because there haven't been enough donations, Alonzo said the Army purchased $8,000 worth of food. Donations of diapers and toiletries are also welcomed, he said.

The West Texas Rehab Center also will be sending supplies to flood victims Saturday morning.

Vans will leave the Rehab Center with donated cleaning supplies, baby needs of all kinds and personal items. Anyone wishing to donate any of these items are asked to drop them off at the warehouse at the Rehab Center at 4601 Hartford.

For further information, contact the Salvation Army at 677-1408.