The Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City is raising funds for the victims of the earthquake that took place in the central Italian region of Abruzzo on Monday. Since then, the death toll has reached 293 with the majority of damage occurring in the province of L’Aquila, located 50 miles east of Rome. The earthquake registered a 6.3 on the Richter scale.
Jersey City resident Silvana Kaminski, a native of L’Aquila, said last week that she did not lose any family members but was informed by relatives “the destruction is so widespread that they have not been able to get to some of the surrounding villages to assess the level of destruction.”
Michael Ricciardone is another Jersey City resident with family living in L’Aquila who also did not lose any loved ones. He said, “[My loved ones] are safe, but please pray for all of those who are experiencing such pain, suffering and loss.”
Donations can be made payable to the Dante Alighieri Society Earthquake Relief Fund and they will direct the proceeds to the appropriate agency. Mail checks to: The Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City, 562 Summit Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306 or drop off checks to:
Michael Morsella/Morsella & ; Cupo Deli at 576 Summit Ave. or Michael Ricciardone/Salon St. John at 3023 Kennedy Blvd.
Also, the Dante Alighieri Society will open its headquarters at 562 Summit Ave. this Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. for a meeting of its members regarding the relief fund. The public is welcome to drop off donations during the meeting. For more information, call (201) 653-9657. – Ricardo Kaulessar