A local Filipino native says she continues to worry about relatives living in the Philippines.
The devastating Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines last week. Some reports estimate a death toll of at least 4,000 people - with millions being displaced.
"All I could think of was, like, how's my family?,” says Keuka College senior Vanessa Coy. “Are they okay? Because we haven't heard anything from them in a while, so it's just really scary."
Coy says she's been receiving information on the status of family members through a cousin who resides in Japan. She was born in Olangapo City, a city located in the province of Zambales, northwest of the Philippine capital of Manila.
“Everyone is okay, as far as we know,” Coy says. “But our family members in Manila, they lost everything…their animals, their food, their first aid, [and] clothing - everything."
Coy says she last visited her homeland in 2012. She says her family owns a home there as well.
The Center for Spiritual Life leading a Keuka College drive to raise money for the Philippines through ShelterBox USA - an international organization that responds to disasters. They hope to raise $1,000 dollars to send a complete box of supplies to those in need. The package includes a tent and essential equipment for homeless and displaced families.
“They're an agriculture society still,” Coy says. “So just knowing that even the U.S. is helping - means a lot to my family."
Coy says Filipino people are religious, and prayers are welcomed.