Countywide : 7 1/2 Tons of Relief Aid on Its Way in Tijuana

A 45-foot-long trailer was stuffed with 7 1/2 tons of blankets, diapers and medicine for victims of flood-ravaged Tijuana as Orange County residents continued to mount relief efforts Wednesday.

“We were getting a tremendous outpouring of response, especially from the Hispanic community,” said Red Cross spokeswoman Judy Iannaccone. Throughout the day, residents brought donations to the trailer that had been alternately stationed at St. Anne’s Catholic Church and Goodwill Industries of Orange County, both in Santa Ana.

By Wednesday afternoon, the trailer had departed Orange County and was on the road to Tijuana.

“It was exciting to see Orange County contribute to the relief effort,” said Stephen Chavez, also of the Red Cross. The trailer “was completely full. It was amazing.”

Dan O’Neil, president of Moving Systems Inc. in Santa Ana, said he donated the trailer to ship the goods after the Red Cross called him Tuesday.

“We wanted to help out,” O’Neil said. “The community has been good to us over the years.”

Iannaccone said the relief effort would continue, although she did not know when the next delivery would be scheduled. People who still want to donate items should take them to any Goodwill donation center or call the Red Cross at (714) 835-5381.

Based on reports from the flooded area, Red Cross officials said clean blankets and disposable diapers are still needed.