In Zilacayota, a municipality in Acatepec, Guerrero, heavy rain can cause landslides, block roads, and leave families isolated. Therefore, having information, organization, and basic resources before an emergency is essential to protect lives and reduce risks.
To that end, The UPS Foundation , the National Center for Support in Epidemiological Contingencies and Disasters (CENACED), and the Gusanos de la Memoria collective joined forces to deliver 100 emergency backpacks and accompany their distribution with community training. The delivery, made on July 1, 2026, benefited 100 families—approximately 360 people—and aimed not only to provide supplies but also to strengthen families’ preparedness for situations that could disrupt access to services , communications, and external aid.
The backpacks include canned food, bottled water, a portable radio, a high-frequency whistle, a raincoat, a blanket, a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, face masks, and a waterproof folder to protect identification documents. These items provide basic resources for the initial moments of an emergency and are integrated into each household’s preparedness measures.
Among the recommendations shared, the importance of keeping the backpack in an accessible place, preferably near the exit, was emphasized. Likewise, the need to replenish supplies such as water or food as they are consumed was stressed, ensuring that the backpack is always ready for use. In this way, the distribution also became a space for dialogue about the risks in the area and the actions that families can take to be better prepared.
An alliance that recognizes the capabilities of the territory.
The participation of Gusanos de la Memoria and local authorities made it possible to link the initiative with the community organization.
Authorities collaborated on training, defining the distribution mechanism, and communicating with families. This coordination allowed the support to complement existing resources in Zilacayota, where residents organize themselves to repair roads damaged by landslides, clean areas near rivers, and address identified risks in their environment.
Past experiences show why the backpack should be part of a broader preparedness, which includes community organization, communication, and agreements to act in the event of an emergency.
The initiative met its goal of delivering 100 backpacks to 100 families. The experience in Zilacayota demonstrates that preparedness involves understanding the risks, listening to the community, strengthening its capabilities, and providing families with tools they can use when needed .
With this action, UPS, The UPS Foundation, and CENACED express their gratitude for the trust placed in their work and reaffirm their commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through preparedness and humanitarian aid efforts in coordination with local organizations and authorities.
“At the UPS Foundation, we know that being prepared can make all the difference when a disaster strikes. By combining UPS’s logistics expertise with strong local partnerships , we help communities build resilience before emergencies occur and support response and recovery efforts when they do,” said Erika Vargas, Director of Community Relations for the UPS Foundation Latin America.
Because helping also means anticipating: preparation begins before the emergency .
Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Jennifer Galindo / @GrupoT21
