East Hampton Man, Far From Home During Devastating Ecuador Earthquake, Heads Back to Help

EAST HAMPTON, NY - After a deadly earthquake rocked Ecuador on April 16, leaving at least 654 dead, Paul J. Munoz of East Hampton was devastated.

And rather than just mourning the tragedy, he sprang into action, preparing to head to Ecuador and help with hand-delivered donations.

He created a GoFundMe account, "Ecuador Earthquake — Every Bit Counts," which has raised $2,990 of its $5,000 goal in a week.

"As an Ecuadorian living abroad I feel the need to help the victims. I will go to the most affected places, those small villages that have the most damages and are the least valued," he wrote.

His goal is to personally deliver all the donations pouring into local churches of his town. He created the GoFundMe to try to collect money from all Ecuadorians abroad and people that want to help those in need.

He plans to leave on Thursday. "Your donations will go directly to help with flight expenses and buy any medicine, food, clothing, etc. needed for the victims," he wrote.

Munoz will bring along 150 lbs. of supplies and donations. Most urgently needed items include;

Bed aheets
Gauzes
Neosporin
Ibuprofen for kids and adults
Sanitary towels
Baby wipes
Deodorants
Energy Bars
Flashlights
Toothbrushes
Rubber bottom shoes
Insect repellent
Sunblock