Paid and volunteer firefighters of the Pelham Fire Department have organized a relief effort for victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Rich Carfora, deputy chief and a volunteer firefighter, is the coordinator.

In just one week, enough donations to fill a 26 foot truck were collected for the drive south. Moneys Worth Car & Truck Rental in Mt. Vernon donated use of the truck. Written on the side of the truck is "Help is on the way" and "God Bless America."

Shown in the photos are those who were sorting donations last Saturday. They are, left to right, above: Frank Bellantoni, Rich Carfora, Jim Frusciante, Frank Cerbone, Mickey Dallow, Paul Bonfiglio, Hector Perez and Ron Giustino.

Additional donations for another truckload are being collected between 8:00am and 10:00pm seven days a week at the firehouse, 219 Fifth Avenue. Items needed: no clothing, no toys or books but yes to cots, air mattresses, toiletries, underwear and socks, bottled water, non perishable food, flashlights and batteries, pillows, towels and blankets.

DeCicco Market is collecting financial donations at its cash registers that it will match 100% and purchase wholesale some of the supplies for the Fire Department's Katrina relief project.

Article and Photo are courtesy of the Pelham Weekly, www.pelhamweekly.com.