Laredo woman lends helping hand during water crisis

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - Thousands of Laredoans were affected by the recent boil water notice but a local woman managed to overcome the odds and assist those in need.

Her mission helped thousands in our community during a chaotic time.

Anel Torres was one of many affected by the water line break and boil water notice that happened this past February

She lives outside the city, in the Pueblo Nuevo area, and says the water crisis put her life on hold.

Torres says, “We didn’t have running water for a couple of days so my job kind of stopped, and my children had to be home as well, so it kind of hit us back.”

Torres reached out to her employer based in Boston about the water crisis that was affecting her family and several members of her community.

Her employer, Dentaquest, took notice and delivered nine pallets of water bottles to her doorstep. In total that was approximately 17,000 water bottles.

With so many bottles of water, she decided to help others struggling during the crisis.

Torres installed a kiosk in front of her house to distribute free water to her neighbors and those affected by the boil water notice.

“We were able to serve more than 200 families and we did this, we did end up setting up here as you can see here at my home. We did a drive through the colonia Pueblo Nuevo and we decided to reach out to people that weren’t able to come”, said Torres.

With so many bottles, she needed help distributing them.

Area Health Education Center Executive Director Julie Bazan says she and her group help load the cases into vehicles.

Bazan says for families that lacked transportation or a way to get the water packages, AHEC members loaded up a truck and delivered them door to door to those affected.

Bazan says during the weekend of March fifth and sixth they were able to help those that were confined to their homes.

Josie de la Cruz lives close to Torres and was also affected by the boil water notice.

She says she is thankful for Torres’ initiative and efforts.

Although Torres hopes she never experiences another water crisis, she says she knows what to do if it happens again.

She will continue to give back and love thy neighbor.

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