HIDALGO – The violence south of the Rio Grande Valley isn’t stopping some Good Samaritans from crossing the border to deliver disaster relief supplies to Central Mexico.

The Hidalgo Police Department, Edinburg-based dentist Dr. Carlos Villarreal and singer Bobby Pulido are putting together resources to collect supplies.

“A disaster is a disaster and when you see people in real need, it's what motivates you,” Dr. Villarreal said.

Hidalgo Police Chief Rudy Espinosa said many people in the Valley know people affected the recent earthquake.

“Today it's for them, tomorrow it could be for us. And I think it's been proven that the two nations work together when disaster strikes,” he said.

He said donating to Central Mexico is more difficult than helping those in the Coastal Bend or Houston.

Although there's the distance and violence in Mexico, another volunteer will make the dangerous 16-hour drive to deliver the relief.

“There's a lot of violence, but if you don't get in the middle of it, you're going to be taking your truck normal,” said Enrique Hernandez with Sun Rey Trucking.

Hernandez isn't too worried about what could happen on the road, even with recent reports of gun battles in Tamaulipas.

“Well, there's always a worry. But right now, since these are donations, we think everything is going to okay. And fortunately for us, we haven't had many incidents going into Mexico,” he said.

He said Mexico’s customs officers are going to wave some of their normal regulations so the relief can get where it needs to go as fast as possible.

“They need the help, they want the help, and they're asking for help from everybody. And that's what we're trying to do, just help a little bit,” Hernandez said.

The donations will be taken straight to affected villages in Morelos and Puebla. There will likely be multiple trucks full of supplies thanks to an overwhelming response from the Valley.

If you’d like to donate you can do so at the following three locations:

• Offices of Dr. Carlos Villarreal – 2601 Trenton Rd, Edinburg
• State Farm Arena – 2600 N 10th Street, Hidalgo
• Selah Hospice Care – 1101 E. Dallas St, McAllen