Elmont's Haitian community and Assemblyman Tom Alfano have come together to promote an historic relief effort to assist the victims of Hurricane Jeanne. Donations and supplies are being collected by relief organizations which are being channeled to the country which has been devastated by flooding and wind damage.

The Elmont effort came together after a meeting which Assemblyman Alfano held with community leaders and a special Memorial Mass service where members of the clergy and Haitian residents discussed the ongoing relief projects. During the Mass, Alfano spoke to the assembled crowd by offering his support and words of hope at the Memorial Mass in front of a standing-room only crowd at Sacred Heart Church. "Tonight we start a mission that will help the Haitian people, that will bring comfort and relief to everyone who has been impacted by this disaster," said Alfano.

Elmont leaders, led by David Duchatellier, Rosita Bernadotte, Fanette Pierre-Paul, Roodler Pierre-Louis, Dadie Delbrune, Ernide Salomon and Rodney Rosembert, teamed with Alfano to get the project off the ground. "The country is devastated especially in the central region of Haiti. We need to show our united support to help all the families who lost so much," said David Duchatellier.

Alfano also noted that a further relief event is being coordinated with such luminaries as actors Denzel Washington, Bill Cosby, Samuel L. Jackson, Reverend Jesse Jackson and singing stars in the upcoming weeks. "Everybody can get involved whether it's attending an event, sending a check or volunteering their time to the relief organizations," said Alfano.

Hundreds of Elmont residents attended the service which was held both in English and French Creole. During the ceremony, Alfano and Haitian leaders spoke to the press about the relief effort and ongoing collections taking place. "Now, more than ever, it's very important for the Haitian people to pull ourselves together in the face of this tragedy and help our brothers and sisters - I know we'll do it," said Roodler Pierre Louis. Fanette Pierre-Paul added, "This effort will bring desperately needed relief."

In an effort to help Haitian families impacted by the damage done by hurricane Jeanne, organizations led by Kombit Gonaivie, Alliance Gonaivienne and Associaiton des Anciens du College Immaculee Conception des Gonaives are helping sponsor the effort. In addition, Alfano's office is collecting donations as well. "This wakeup call to our community is pulling all of us together to help Haiti and by extension, all of us," said Rosita Bernadotte.

At the Memorial Service, hundreds donated money to the relief efforts during a collection coordinated by all organizations. "A lot of money was collected and due to the efforts of our Haitian community in Elmont, North Valley Stream and West Hempstead, we're making a difference," said Alfano.

Those wishing to make donations can contact Assemblyman Alfano's office at 437-5577. Or, you can mail your donation to Kombite Gonaivien Relief Fund at HAUP 221-05 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights, NY 11411.