Hays residents have an opportunity to lend a helping hand as part of an international relief effort for those affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan (or Yolanda as locals referred to it) which devastated the Philippines on Friday, November 8th.  Susan Gamboa of Hays is leading a local relief effort to gather donations to be sent directly to those in need.  Born in the Philippines, Gamboa told Hays Post that she has partnered with The Hadley Center, which has offered to allow people to utilize their mail room to store the items to be mailed overseas.

Gamboa has also already received donations from various groups within the community.  Any non-perishable items will be accepted.  She added that all donations will be shipped directly to a church and distributed by two pastors and a priest that Gamboa has been communicating with.

“The television news casts you see, the focus is mostly on the most hard-hit areas, but there are other islands that had been hit that people don’t see.  There are more people affected by this super typhoon.  We are so blessed here, and we would like to ask for things that people don’t need, especially more summer things since there’s no winter there.”

Some of the items in demand include clothes, small toys for children, books, towels, and shoes.  Gamboa added that there is no weight limit on the boxes, and any non-perishable items that can be put into a box will be appreciated.

Items can be dropped off at the Hadley Center through the 205 E. 7th St entrance.  Signs will be posted to direct the public.  Donations will be accepted through sometime next week.  Anyone with questions can contact Susan Gamboa at 206-979-2897.