No, it's not trash! These bags are full of donated goods from hundreds of D.C. area people. Bags include diapers, food, water, and other items that will go into survival kits for earthquake victims in Haiti. (Photo by Jonas Hosmer)
Donations at Haitian Embassy
In D.C. people help build survival kits for earthquake victims
Supplies overflowed from hundreds of bags and boxes delivered to the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. Volunteers put on raincoats as the skies also overflowed, raining on those working with the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians (NOAH).
The first 48 hours in a major disaster are the most important in saving lives, said one NOAH volunteer at the Survival Kit Drive event held for the victims of a devastating earthquake in Haiti last week.
"We're past that point now, but they're still finding people in the rubble," said Shanti Shoji, who is also an employee of the Japanese Embassy. "We can still help them."
NOAH has been working to rebuild the poverty-stricken nation of Haiti since its formation in 1991. Its mission includes fighting for a more democratic government and helping build a stronger economy.
Standing in the rain in front of the embassy on Sunday was Chardelle Moore. Wearing her Miss Caribbean sash, Moore noted that care comes in all forms, whether it's medicine, supplies, or people showing concern by coming to help at local events.
"We need people to care for Haiti," said Moore, who is the current reigning Miss Caribbean Metro USA. The beauty pageant brings together the people from various Caribbean nations living in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Moore also volunteers for NOAH. She helped organize the day's donations.
"Giving aid saves peoples' lives," she said. All donations received by the embassy will be airlifted and delivered to the neediest citizens.
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| The reigning Miss Caribbean Metro USA, Chardelle Moore, helped organize an event in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, January 17, to build survival kits for earthquake victims in Haiti. (Photo Courtesy Jonas Hosmer) |
Many residents in the D.C. area have family and friends in Haiti. Donrole Cyprien, a staff member at Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, has family in Port-au-Prince. Dunrole has been unable to communicate with his relatives and gets most of his news from TV. He talked to the Scholastic Kids Press Corps about life in Haiti.
"People are living on the street right now," he said. "They don't have homes. They're so scared. The bulldozers cannot work much because there are too many people in the streets that have nowhere to go. Even those who have houses are afraid to go in them, because aftershocks could still happen."
Another Bullis School staff member, Pierre Duliepre, comes from nearby Cayes.
"They need medical help, food assistance, water, even a can of food can help," he said. "It is a very bad disaster."
To find out to donate to NOAH or learn more about the organization, check out its website.
CRISIS IN HAITI
Check out the Kid Reporters' special report Crisis in Haiti for more information on the country and how to help.
NEWS FOR KIDS, BY KIDS
Get the latest on national and international events, movies, television, music, sports, and more from the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.
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