FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)- Several groups of people in our area are hoping to make a difference in Flint, Michigan. More than 100,000 residents are getting bottled water delivered to their homes because their water is contaminated with lead. Now, local city leaders are heading a campaign to send at least 50,000 bottles of water to people in need.
The campaign kicked off at the Southgate Kroger store Monday. As of 6:00 p.m., the store has more than 1,100 cases of water donations– which is at 27,500 bottles of water.
Several community leaders have gotten involved with the push, including the local republican and democratic parties. Combined, the two groups kicked off the campaign by donating 10,000 bottles of water. Representatives from each party say it’s just about doing what’s right.
“[We should] do what’s right for each other and realize that we have more in common than we have that would divide us.” said Jack Morris, Chair of the Allen County Democratic Party. “Too often we focus on what divides us. That’s what this is about and hopefully it will inspire us in many other ways.
“In your own neighborhood- whoever is living next door- you don’t know what their politics are,” said Candice Fries, Vice President of the Allen County Republican Party. “You just know they need help. I think that’s the same thing here. We don’t know those people but we know they’ve got problems. If there’s a way we can help what a great opportunity.”
The Southgate Kroger will continue collecting water donations through the end of next week. On February 1st, at least 20 volunteers from Fort Wayne will travel to Flint to help pass out the water.
