Hard-Hit Aid Groups Continue Their Work

In the wake of the Northridge earthquake, many nonprofit agencies hard hit by the temblor are trying to continue helping their clients while they themselves rebuild.

Clinics and centers that serve low-income residents have been calling the Volunteer Reception Center in Panorama City asking for help ranging from taking wheelchair-bound clients out for fresh air to repairing damaged buildings.

El Nido Family Centers is now working out of its Van Nuys administrative office because of severe damage to the organization’s Pacoima office. Its clients, which include more than 400 teen-age mothers or pregnant teen-agers as well as low-income families, need blankets, warm clothing and medicine.

“What we’re finding is we need somewhat the essentials, like food,” said Patricia Cervantes, adolescent family life coordinator. “We need diapers, anything to do with babies--food, blankets, also personal hygiene things have come up, feminine hygiene. They’re dealing with priorities.”

Workers also are trying to find shelter for clients whose homes were made unsafe by the earthquake and are looking for people or organizations with space to offer, Cervantes said.

For information about volunteering or donating money or goods, call (818) 908-5003. Donations can be mailed or taken to El Nido Family Centers, United Way Building, 6851 Lennox Ave., Van Nuys 91405.

The Home Visitation Center in Pacoima is feeding about 30 families a day as well as helping residents with job referrals and counseling.

“We need money, food, water, veggies and volunteers,” said Carlos Reyes, executive director.

For more information, call the center at (818) 896-6122 or 896-6863. To drop off or mail donations, the address is Home Visitation Center, 13412 Van Nuys Blvd., Pacoima 91331.

El Centro de Amistad in Canoga Park is giving out boxes of food to families in need after the earthquake. The organization needs donations of blankets and rice, beans and other non-perishable foods. For more information, call (818) 347-8565 or drop off donations at 7024 Beering Ave., Canoga Park 91303.

To inquire about other agencies that need volunteers or donations, call the Volunteer Reception Center at (800) 908-5170.