Dear Hispanic Chamber Members and Friends,

As many of you know, yesterday Central Mexico, including the cities of Mexico City and Puebla, was affected by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. There have been more than 225 confirmed deaths in the area, including 21 children who had been attending school in Villa Coapa when their building collapsed.

Many are still missing as search and rescue teams continue their efforts. This is the second earthquake to hit Mexico in 12 days and the country has declared a state of national emergency and a three day declaration of mourning. 

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we send our deepest condolences to all of the families affected by this tragedy. Your Hispanic Chamber works closely with strong International Trade and Business efforts in Mexico and we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Mexico who are recovering from the devastation. 

As is typical of our amazing Hispanic Chamber member behavior, many of you have flooded the Hispanic Chamber phone lines over the past 28 hours to ask how you can help. Thank you to those of you who have offered to warmly open your wallets, pantries, and medicine cabinets to share with those in need. 

After speaking with the Mexican authorities, we have learned that there are many logistical challenges with shipping physical donation items to the airport and to the people in need. Therefore, the greatest need right now is monetary donations. 

For those of you interested in making a donation, we have set up a special fund here in San Antonio with our members at Vantage Bank Texas. The Routing Number is 114912589 and the Account Name is "Victims of Mexico Earthquake" and the Account Number is 2700629714. If you have any questions, please call the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 210-225-0462. 

Thank you to Vantage Bank Texas for making this possible and leading the charge.

To donate to the Mexican Red Cross, click here. 

To purchase items for the Mexican Red Cross on their Amazon Wish List, click here. 

Please help us spread the word about the great resource website: ¿Como Ayudar?

Once we have more information, we will share it immediately with you.

Together, we can help rebuild Mexico City. 

We are also keeping our thoughts and prayers with those in Puerto Rico and other areas affected by Hurricane Maria and other recent weather-related disasters. We will continue to monitor relief efforts for those as well.  

Thank you for your willingness to roll up your sleeves and help. 

Respectfully,