CARSON, CA, November 2, 2009 -  A total of 10 containers packed floor to ceiling with disaster relief items such as food, water, clothing, diapers and medical supplies arrived in Samoa on Thursday Oct 28, 2009, and American Samoa on Friday, October 29, 2009.

With the invaluable donation of 15 containers, labor, and ocean line transportation from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Local 13, the Help Samoa Disaster Relief Coalition sent three 40-foot containers and one 20-foot container to Samoa, as well as six 20-foot containers to American Samoa. Two of the community’s faith-based organizations filled the remaining five.

“A lot of people worked hard for the first shipment and we want to acknowledge their contributions,” says Chief Loa Pele Faletogo, Coalition Chair.  “But without the tremendous assistance from these angels from the ILWU, we wouldn’t have been able to get the materials to those who need it most.”

Help Samoa’s partner non-governmental organizations, Native American Samoa Advisory Council (NASAC) in American Samoa, and Samoa Umbrella of Non-Governmental Organizations (SUNGO)  and Pan Pacific and Southeast Asia Women’s Association (PPSEAWA) in Samoa , have received the containers and are already hard at work distributing items to those most in need.

Help Samoa’s second shipment of containers left the Port of Los Angeles on Friday October 30, 2009 and is estimated to arrive in American Samoa on November 14, 2009.  The Coalition is currently raising funds for its third shipment, which will focus on building materials and supplies.

ILWU Local 13 Union Partners
Photo Credit: 'Amelia Niumeitolu


Caption: Help Samoa Disaster Relief Coalition Drop Off Center and Headquarters
Photo Credit: 'Amelia Niumeitolu