Help for Haiti
Today, let’s take a break from encouraging one another in our efforts to succeed in the 30-day Yeast-Free with Me Challenge and turn our attention to a country in despair.
, Late Tuesday afternoon Jan. 12, a catastrophic 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the nation of Haiti and left mass devastation inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince.
As Haitians continue to struggle to find relief, it’s easy to feel helpless here in the states as to how we can help them find any form of relief during this time of utter tragedy. The images that flood TV and the newspaper leave many of us paralyzed. The stories and tears coming out of Haiti are absolutely heart wrenching. At times the devastation can seem so large that a single person’s aid can seem so small. Are you thinking: How can I make an impact? What can I do? Be assured that each person’s effort will be felt in Haiti. There are many little things each and every one of us can do to meet the needs of a nation in suffering.
Our part is simple; however, if everyone does their share, our impact can be tremendous- we can play a small, but significant role in helping save and rebuild lives.
In order to do our part, our office began collecting emergency items that are going to be shipped to Haiti. Check with a local organization in your community to retain a list of items that are needed most. Many are collecting general medical supplies, personal hygiene products and bottled water.
The following is a list of requested items from a local church that’s collecting supplies:
· Band aids, first aid ointment, and similar basic medical supplies
· All kinds of tools, shovels, tarps, etc. for rebuilding
· Liquid formula, diapers and baby bottles
· Nutritional bars and shakes
· Canned food with pop tops
· Peanut butter
· Dry rice
· Dry beans
· Dishwashing liquid
· Bedding (sheets, pillows, etc.)
· Buckets
· Washcloths
· New underwear of all sizes
· Soap
· Deodorant
· Individual packets of disinfectant wipes
· Tooth brushes, toothpaste and other toiletries
We partnered with in Houston, who has partnered with a couple of churches in Miami. These churches in Miami have regularly sent missions to Haiti in the past and have direct contacts there. We teamed up with Lifebridge to collect as many of the emergency items as we could. The goal was to collect enough supplies to fill two shipping containers. In the end, Life Bridge was able to fill a 53 foot semi with relief supplies. Then the supplies were immediately driven to Miami, where they will be shipped on a boat to Haiti.
I realize not everyone has the opportunity to partner with a church that has direct contacts in Haiti. However, I want to encourage you to find a way to assist with the efforts in Haiti. There are many ways to lend a hand, in addition to emergency efforts, there are also organizations who are providing shelter, medical aid, basic needs, food and water, and organizations collecting donations.
CNN’s Web site contains a comprehensive list of organizations providing aid. To view this list, please
Also, you can donate now through the American Red Cross. According to the American Red Cross, donations will support emergency relief and recovery efforts to help those people affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Assistance provided may include deploying personnel, sending relief supplies, and providing financial resources.
And above all else, please pray for the people in Haiti; pray for God’s grace and mercy during such a tragic and uncertain time.
