**Collective Requests Tactical Boots and Vests for Family Search Efforts**
The advocacy group “Families United in the Search for Our Missing” is reaching out to the community for donations of essential work equipment. As the group continues to search for their missing loved ones, their president, Paula Sandoval, highlights the pressing need for tactical gear, citing a lack of support from the state’s People Search Commission in Baja California regarding food supplies.
The group specifically needs field boots to navigate rugged terrain like hills and mountains—currently, members are making do with unsuitable footwear, like sneakers. “I broke my foot despite wearing tactical boots,” Paula lamented, further expressing the need for high-visibility vests, which help ensure team members are easily identifiable during search operations.
Emergency first aid kits are also on the list, as team members frequently sustain injuries such as cuts or stepping on nails. These essential resources often come second to paying for necessities like gas to reach search sites.
The collective is asking for donations, especially in the following sizes: women’s shoe sizes 7.5, 8, and 9, and men’s sizes 7.5, 8, 9, and 10, as well as vests in all sizes. Donations can be made directly to the group’s designated account or by contacting Paula Sandoval directly.
**Additional Updates on Related Search Efforts**
In an equally pressing situation, search collectives are requesting DNA tests before the burial of unclaimed bodies. These efforts underscore the ongoing challenges in identifying and reuniting families with their missing members. In Baja California, the demand for effective identification processes has grown as the state deals with limited resources—only 15 agents are currently available for disappearance investigations.
This comes at a time when the state is grappling with a high volume of crimes, including those against women. Despite a gender violence alert, Baja California has recorded significant numbers of homicides and femicides, adding to the urgency for more robust investigative and support mechanisms.
In response to safety concerns, local authorities have implemented random drug testing among Tijuana officials, resulting in a few positive cases. Additionally, media reports indicate active investigations into a high-profile murder case, reflecting the region’s ongoing security challenges.
For those wishing to contribute to the search efforts or stay updated on this crucial humanitarian mission, reaching out to the volunteer coordinators is encouraged. Additionally, locals can support awareness initiatives such as responsible dog adoption, which promote community engagement and compassion in these difficult times.