Indy's First Lady Calls For Help In Philippines

The First Lady of Indianapolis is calling on the city to help those affected by the typhoon in the Philippines.

Winnie Ballard is Filipino and says her heart goes out to her home country.

"It's very tough," she said.  "I came here when I was 19.  It's daily.  Almost every year, I would feel an earthquake almost all the time, and so the typhoon is scary. Seeing that, it's devastating."

The Red Cross estimates the typhoon affected 11 million people and about 2.5 million need food assistance.

Vice President of Barangay Club of Indianapolis, Jovi Legaspy, says he feels sad and helpless for people in his home country.

"This is very devastating. A lot of people are hurting," he said. "Relief goods are kind of slow, but at least we're not losing hope here. At least we are trying to get something that will alleviate them even on a day-to-day basis."

"That would be great."

Legaspy believes the outreach of Indianapolis and the rest of the United States will make a real difference.

"It's very, very important for them," he said.  "They really need a couple of bottles of water and even some food that would last them a day or two.  That's why we are trying to encourage (U.S. residents) that even a dollar or 50 cents, whatever you have right now, please, please donate."

The Indiana Pacers, who played preseason games in the Philippines, are donating $50,000 for relief efforts.

To donate:

• American Red Cross 441 E. 10th Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 With “Typhoon” noted in the memo line Or, donors may visit: www.redcross.org
• United Way of Central Indiana Attn: Philippines P.O. Box 88409 Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.uwci.org/philippines
• United Nations World Food Programme www.wfpusa.org/emergency or text AID to 27722 to instantly donate $10