Trekkers to deliver water to East Palestine

The International Federation of Trekkers, based in Huron, will deliver water to residents of East Palestine, Ohio, after the derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train Feb. 3, according to a news release.

“Our Galileo van will be making the trip to East Palestine to deliver water to the victims of the train derailment disaster,” said Russ Haslage, co-founder of the International Federation of Trekkers, in the release. “You can help by bringing bottled water and gallons of water to Federation Headquarters, 501 Cleveland Road West in Huron, Ohio.

“If we are not here, please leave your donated water in front of our facility. We are willing to make stops for large water donations while on our way to East Palestine as well.”

The journey to East Palestine is the latest in a list of humanitarian aid missions conducted by the Federation of Trekkers, according to the release.

The group also is raising funds for victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquake, the release said.

Past projects have included raising funds for Ukrainian refugees and delivering supplies to survivors of last year’s floods in Kentucky, the release said.

Galileo can come to donors’ locations to pick up larger donations of water on their way to East Palestine, according to the release.

Founded by Haslage and Gene Roddenberry in 1984, the International Federation of Trekkers gives Star Trek fans a means of serving their communities while celebrating their love for the time-honored franchise, according to the release.

Federation chapters participate in a range of local, national and international projects that seek to “go places and help people.”