Kid Reporter Christopher Campbell talks to Bronx borough president Rueben Diaz Jr. at a fundraising event for Haiti in the Bronx on Saturday. (Photo courtesy Christopher Campbell)

In the Bronx

Community gathers to help friends and relatives in Haiti

• PRINT
• EMAIL

Southern Boulevard teamed with people and noise this weekend as residents of the Bronx in New York City gathered to share news of the recent earthquake in Haiti. They also brought donations to help the earthquake victims, many of them their family and friends.

One of the volunteers at the event, Tommy Soto, explained his job to the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.

"We're actually organizing all the food and clothes that we get from the community and putting them into this container," Soto said, indicating a large trailer that will be put on a plane and flown to Haiti.

Reporters also gathered on the Bronx street, which was closed off to traffic for the day. Music was blaring and people were giving speeches over loudspeakers. Many residents in the Bronx are of Haitian descent, so sharing news of loved ones was an important aspect of the day.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who helped organize the event, talked to the press about the efforts of his community to help Haiti.

"Everybody is coming out and they're donating goods, canned foods, rice, water, clothing, blankets, medicine, and of course financial donations for the people of Haiti," Diaz Jr. said.

He said kids can help by cleaning out their closets.

"Anything you haven't used in a while, that you don't need any longer—the people over there need food, they need clothing, they need, blankets, they need everything they can," he said. " Kids can do whatever they can. Speak to your parents."

For information on how to contribute to the American Red Cross to help the people of Haiti, log on to the organization’s 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.

• Scholastic Store
• 

  The Scholastic Store

  Geronimo Stilton Special Edition: A Christmas Tale by Geronimo Stilton The beloved scholarly rodent is not in a holiday mood. Although typically jolly all year 'round, Geronimo is feeling down because his family and friends are leaving Mouse Island for Christmas. If Geronimo doesn't find anyone to celebrate with, this may be the loneliest Christmas ever! Includes a pull-out holiday board game. Page Turners Beginning readers will gain an amusing mouse-perspective on the importance of celebrating holidays and family ties. $5.59 You save: 20% books;hardcover books;hardcovers | Ages 7-10

  
  Geronimo Stilton Special Edition: A Christmas Tale
  Ages 7-10 $5.59
  
• Scholastic Store
• 

  The Scholastic Store
  	Escape from the Tower of London: The Ravenmaster's Secret null $5.99 books;paperback books;paperbacks | Ages 8-12

  
  Escape from the Tower of London: The Ravenmaster's Secret
  Ages 8-12 $5.99