Alexis Sanchez organises aid for hometown after floods

Sanchez started for Arsenal in their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace

Alexis Sanchez has sent two trucks full of supplies to his hometown of Tocopilla in the aftermath of recent torrentional storms, according to Marca. The Arsenal forward arranged the delivery of bottled water, first-aid material and other basic staples to the city after it experienced many fatalities and heavy damage to infrastructure after the rainfalls.

The town’s mayor Fernando San Román confirmed the sweet gesture made by Alexis Sanchez while speaking with Latercera, saying: “He hasn't forgotten about his land and that's why he wanted to be involved. He spoke to us in order to send aid to the people of Tocopilla.”

“We initially discussed bottled water, some basic first-aid products and clothing among other things and it's already in the region" he added.

Sanchez coordinated the delivery of the aid along with his family members and other representatives, although not everything went off smoothly. The trucks encountered tax issues with the administration shortly after their departure from the coastal city of Iquique, and were held in the town of Maria Elena for day. They moved on to the sports hall of Tocopilla, where the items were eventually distributed among the victims.

About a week ago, the Chilean superstar posted an image of the devastation caused by the storms and left a message for his fans asking them to provide their support.

“Here I took my first steps. Here I learned to play football. Here are my people and my family, who saw me grow, because where I grew up, now I am who I am – Alexis Sánchez. I hope you listen to us all Chileans and people who are responsible for resolving these problems that are of nature.” he wrote on his official instagram.

Buenos Dias Una ayuda para mi gente de Tocopilla que lo necesita en estos momentos difíciles.… https://t.co/fiUnxSKRBl

— Alexis Sánchez (@Alexis_Sanchez) August 19, 2015

Alexis Sanchez has always kept a close connection with his hometown, and his recent efforts to help his people out has received a very positive reaction from many on social media and the local press. This latest gesture will surely cement his stance as a fan-favourite for both Chilean and Arsenal supporters, who have been used to seeing the Chilean do plenty of humanitarian work during his career.

The electric 26-year-old made his first start of the season for the Gunners in the 2-1 away win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Despite not being fully ready for the season after taking part in Chile’s 2015 Copa America win, he put in his usual shift and harassed the opposition defenders before showing immense desire to win the match for his side.

Buenos Dias Una ayuda para mi gente de Tocopilla que lo necesita en estos momentos difíciles. Espero que las personas que están encargadas en solucionar estos problemas, también sigan ayudando como lo han hecho hasta ahora y no se olviden de TOCOPILLA ... Gracias ... Good morning A help to my people of Tocopilla in need in these difficult time. I hope that people who are responsible in solving these problems also continue helping as they have done so far and they do not forget TOCOPILLA. Many Thanks

A photo posted by Alexis Sanchez (@alexis_officia1) on Aug 19, 2015 at 2:15am PDT