Cuba: victims of Tropical Storm Noel getting help from the Church

Havana, Cuba, Dec 7, 2007 / 10:21 am

The Church in Cuba has mobilized to offer food and clothing to the thousands of people affected by Tropical Storm Noel, which pounded the eastern section of the island last month.

The magazine “Palabra Nueva” reported that thousands of boxes of supplies, collected in response to a letter sent by Cardinal Jaime Ortega to all the faithful, have been sent to the region.

The Diocese of Pinar del Rio, which is habitually hit by such storms, has joined in the relief effort.

The Diocese of Bayamo-Manzanillo said volunteers and members of the Christian communities are collaborating in providing aid to more than 410 families in the province of Granma.

Officials have carried out a census to see which families have the greatest need.  Relief efforts have been focused on families with small children, the elderly, and those with physical and mental handicaps, the chronically ill and those confined to their homes.