Food Drive

     The aftermath of the earthquake left thousands of Haitian families without food and shelter. In March, I received a phone call from my Haitian friend who began telling me that he was trying to find a way to help the people in his community feed their children. He had made a list of families who desperately needed food.
         Ironically, the next day, I received a call from my Aunt Lorraine who works at a grade school. She began telling me that the first grade students in her school were very concerned about the people of Haiti.
       Sometimes kids don’t understand everything they see on the news. Sometimes tragedy doesn’t make sense to them. These first grade students at John L. Hensey school began asking what an earthquake was and wanted to see pictures of what was going on in Haiti after the earthquake. They wanted to do something to help!! 
     The students challenged each classroom in the school to bring in their change to help the earthquake stricken country that they had read so much about in the local newspaper. The class had a goal to raise $300 in this school wide fundraiser. The students made posters to hang throughout the school and kept a running total throughout the three week collection time. The students far exceeded their goal by collecting $1022!!
     Knowing my involvement with the people of Haiti, my Aunt called to ask for advice about where I thought the money would be best served. I offered several suggestions, and also told her about the phone call I received the day before. I had a trip to Haiti already planned in April in order to do some research on my own project that I was working on. Knowing this, my Aunt and first grade teacher, Olivia Seaton, decided to donate the money for a food drive for the people of Cyvadier.
     During my April trip, I took the money collected by these generous children, and bought a pick-up truck full of rice, beans, oil, and soap! The food was broken down and distributed to the families of Cyvadier who so desperately needed help.
     I wish I would have had a tape recorder with me when the food was distributed. My friends explained to the people how the money was collected by first graders and how they wanted to help make a difference in their lives! The people of Cyvadier began clapping their hands in appreciation for all these children had done for them.

A HUGE thank you to the first grade students, Miss Seaton, and John L. Hensey school for your generosity...you have made a difference in this world!!


   

Make a Difference!

     I have a passion for helping others, I sometimes have a tendency to take on more than I can handle! I have spent this year traveling back and forth to Jacmel, Haiti in an effort to begin a program which will enable Haitian men, women, and children to learn how to manage and maintain their own lives so that they can provide basic needs for their family.  The situation in Haiti is overwhelming,  but one that I feel compelled to help. I believe that by destroying people's self-reliance we encourage dependency. I also believe that we can eliminate poverty through human actions; that basic human needs can be met; malnutrition can be alleviated; and all people have a right to a sustainable livelihood.

    Although, not everyone has the opportunity to reach this part of the world, I am confident that together, we can make a difference. I ask you to share your creative and innovative ways of raising awareness and financial support for this cause. I consider it a privilege to serve along side the people of the Haiti. In the midst of utter poverty, the people of Haiti have taught me much about resilience and hope while empowering inspiration to follow one's passion.