Chilean Navy collects aid in Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The United States is continuing to assist people who have been devastated by the earthquake in Chile. A local mission plans to send aid to Chile on a ship that was recently commissioned to the Chilean Navy by the U.S.

Water, food and toiletries are simple items that are desperately needed by earthquake victims in Chile.

"We prefer non-perishable foods, but all that they can bring is good because in our country there is a lot of cities that are destroyed. So, there are people without homes and without anything," said Luis Allamaond, Chilean Naval Officer.

Luis and other Chilean Naval officers are collecting goods to take back home. They'll be leaving the Port of Mobile Monday aboard the Almirante Montt in route to Chile. The ship was commissioned to the Chilean Navy just weeks ago in Mobile.

The crew's first mission will be to deliver the goods collected .

Janie Pate came early to make her donation.

"Well, because I've paid attention to the earthquake in Haiti and now in Chile and those people need help as much as we do when we have a hurricane. So, I thought, let me just pick what I think I would need, bring it and hope that it helps some other mother or child; and that's the whole reason, just to help," said Janie Pate.

Sam Douglas contributed tools for the rebuilding effort.

"It's a helping hand and I just think everyone should do all they can within their power to help this cause," said Douglas.

The Chilean sailors are accepting the donations with open arms.

"Just thank you to all the people in Mobile for this help it's very helpful," one sailor exclaimed.

The containers are located at the entrance of Battleship Park. You can stop by and drop off your donation during park hours today and Saturday. Those containers will be loaded onto the Chilean ship Sunday, and will leave port sometime Monday.