Two local community groups have joined forces to help ease the suffering of those caught in the aftermath of two devastating storms that hit the Philippine Islands.

The Association of Filipinos in Bermuda (AFB), a registered charity, and The Club 2000, a Filipino community club, are appealing to the public for donations to help storm affected Filipinos with their immediate and long term needs.

"At this point, we want to respond to the affected families' immediate needs i.e., monetary assistance," said a spokesman for the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda.

A Bank of Bermuda account has been opened for donations under "The Filipino Association of Bermuda", account No. 010-874055-001.

In addition to monetary donations, material goods, such as clothes, can be dropped off at 54 Ord Road, Warwick at Bermuda Breads Ltd.

"The collection of clothes and material goods will be ongoing," said Sonia Loudermilk, the Advisor of the AFB.

"With the help of Mr. Powell of Bermuda Breads, we hope to send containers on a monthly basis.

"Right now we have about a container and a half of clothing collected."

The Philippines was devastated in September after being hit by two major storms within a short time period.

Tropical storms Ondoy and Pepeng caused flooding and landslides across parts of the Philippines. Leaving many homeless, missing and injured on the Pacific Island Nation.

For additional information, call John Cayetano at 536-0723, or Sonia Loudermilk at 336-3218.