MARTINSVILLE, Va. – When a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Mexico City Tuesday, Henry County resident Eli Salgado jumped into action.
He set up a supply drive on Wednesday outside a Hispanic grocery store in Martinsville and in just three hours collected more than $250 and about 20 bags of clothes.
"Right now, what we're really needing is more of the hygenic products, like deoderant and toothpaste, toothbrushes," Salgado said.
From 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, he planned to be back out in front of the Hispanic grocery store at 2410 Greensboro Road collecting money and supplies.
He has family in the Mexican state of Morelos, which is just south of Mexico City.
The state was impacted by the earthquake, giving him even more motivation to help earthquake victims.
"There were several buildings that had cracks," Salgado said. "We also had a lot of businesses that were destroyed."
Mario Laredo runs the butcher shop next to the Hispanic grocery store where the supply drive is being held.
He is glad to see the local Hispanic community come together so quickly to help.
"Thank you for all that you are doing to help our brothers who are suffering," Laredo said. "God bless you. God is speaking."
Anyone wanting to donate supplies or money but can't get to the supply drive Friday can contact Salgado on Facebook.
He is still trying to figure out how to get all of the supplies down to Mexico.