(ANSA) - L'Aquila, August 25 - The city of L'Aquila is
ramping up its efforts to provide aid and relief to earthquake
victims in central Italy, after having been the recipient of
such aid following a devastating seism that killed over 300
people there in April 2009.
Local Catholic dioceses are sponsoring food and clothing
drives through the Caritas charity organisation, and all of the
town's dioceses will hold fundraising drives during Mass on
September 18.
The local chapter of retailers' organisation Confcommercio
has offered support to its counterpart branch in the Lazio city
of Rieti, which is sponsoring a drive for non-perishable food
items, children's clothing and battery-powered torches.
Confcommercio L'Aquila Director Celso Cioni and President
Roberto Donatelli said a shipment of these items would be sent
on Thursday.
The L'Aquila Order of Engineers said it would be available
to conduct building inspections to help quake survivors return
to their homes wherever possible.
"We know how complicated it is to manage a calamity of this
size and we can't help but offer our assistance," said its
president, Elio Masciovecchio.
Quake: L'Aquila giving back
After receiving aid for its 2009 quake