(11/28/98)

Nineteen-thousand people are still missing in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch. And 3-million are homeless. News Specialist Stacey Butler reports the relief from Utah continues to head to Central America.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed and to simply tune out especially in the aftermath of a storm as destructive as Hurricane Mitch. But today, I met a group of people who-- in the middle of Thanksgiving week-- gave their all, so Hondurans may have the help they desperately need.

"We've got two synthetic beds that are fully inflatable."

Sixty-five thousand pounds of medical supplies, beds, clothing and computer equipment are sorted and loaded by an army of volunteers. Most of the emergency supplies have been sitting at the Ogden Defense Depot in undelivered freight containers.

Laura Sessions, Volunteer: "Everything needed to be sorted through and some things needed to be thrown out. Some had to be put into things they would really need and use."

And that effort took nearly 400 volunteers less than a week. Last week a group of friends got together and decided they wanted to do something to help Hondurans after Hurricane Mitch. Five day later, this is the result. Five semi-loads filled with supplies.

Evan Twede, Volunteer: "Not only did this happen in less than a week's time, but none of us had to work very hard and look what we have got! Five semi loads full of vital supplies for Honduras."

Laura Sessions, Volunteer: "We were amazed at the outpouring of love from people that came from St. George from clear up to Brigham City. How many people came out from different church organizations, I don't know.. how everyone heard about it, but it's amazing."

Don Marion, Volunteer: "It's going to the first lady of Honduras. She is the one spearheading their donations there and distributing it."

The last box is loaded. And an intensive five day effort comes to an end. A local trucker is volunteering his time and gas money to drive the first load. And a final farewell for the long journey ahead.