Led by instabin driver George Gomez, drivers from the districts in Irvine and Santa Ana together raised $2,200, which was apportioned equally between the Red Cross and the WM Hurricane Katrina Employee Support Fund.

"I have made collections for many years when an employee has a family member pass away," said Gomez, a 12-year employee of Waste Management.  "We give them the money we collect.  We saw what was going on in Mississippi and Louisiana and wanted to help."

Announcements were made at morning driver meetings in the days after the hurricane hit to inform fellow drivers about the voluntary collection drive.  Boxes were set up in the drivers' areas where personal checks could be deposited. 

"I think it's great that they did it," said Alberto Guardado, District Manager in Irvine.  "Anytime that the drivers pull together like that, it's great to see."

George Zavala, a commercial driver servicing Laguna Beach, said he was glad to participate in the fundraising effort, especially since his neighbor's family had to be evacuated from Louisiana into Texas - and then evacuated once again when Hurricane Rita approached the Gulf States.

"After seeing everything on TV and seeing the devastation, it touches your heart," said Zavala, a 14-year employee.  "It's a good cause."

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