Surrounded by over 70 members of the Elmont Haitian community and a backdrop of the American and Haitian Flag, Assemblyman Tom Alfano, State Senator Dean Skelos, Father Eddie Julien and Haiti Consul General Felix Augustin kicked-off a food drive with Haitian Americans United for Progress (HAUP), Haitian American Family Association of Long Island (HAFALI), local schools and businesses to address the starvation crisis of children in Haiti.

The crisis, which Alfano called "a social justice and human rights tragedy that must be addressed," has caught the attention of the community, which is banding together to help those enduring a food crisis.

A press conference was held in Elmont in front of Haitian-owned business Big and Tall Clothing. During the conference, Alfano pointed to very poignant photos of children starving in Haiti during the current food crisis. It was those very photos that moved hundreds in Elmont to start the food drive under the direction of Alfano, Skelos, HAUP and HAFALI.

"When you look at these photos you know clearly we have to do something. This is about saving children; it's as simple as that," Alfano said. "This is a human rights disaster that must be dealt with by the UN and caring nations must get involved with now."

Father Julien of St. Boniface Church said a prayer for the children of Haiti who have suffered from the food crisis. As he recited the prayer, he called for the success of the food drive to help the children who are suffering under intolerable conditions.

Alfano introduced Augustin. "This food drive is so important to the children of Haiti. I want to thank Assemblyman Tom Alfano, who is a friend of the Haitian people, and Senator Skelos for not just talking about this crisis, but turning words into action. The consulate stands ready to work with the people of Elmont in this cause that will save lives," he said.

The food drive is a collective effort that will entail food collections in schools, churches and local businesses throughout the area. Joining in the effort are students from Elmont Memorial High School and local elementary and Catholic schools. Additionally, Haitian community leaders like Dr. Max Noel, Kettly Joseph, Serge Clarke, Frantz Simon, Richard DeBrosse, Elsy Mecklembourg Guibert, Magaly Polo, David Duchatellier and local cable television presenter JoJo Allrich have lent their support to the drive.

Alfano also announced that Associated Supermarket, DUCH Travel and HAUP on Linden Boulevard would collect food donations along with area schools. "Our prime emphasis in this food collection is to collect the two basic meal staples that are desperately needed - rice and beans. That is what we need the most and I hope that residents will respond with," he said.

Elmont School Superintendent Al Harper was on hand to lend the full support of the Elmont School District in the effort. "Look at the children and lend a hand. This is about our young people and I'm very proud to be a part of this mission," he said.

The food drive received a key boost as Alfano announced that the president of the Haitian Senate, Senator Kely Bastien, and Augustin would be working with the food drive personally and will assist in the distribution of canned and non-perishable foods in villages throughout Haiti.

Bastien is no stranger to the Elmont community as he has held several community meetings with Alfano and Haitian community leaders, led by Duchatellier.

According to Duchatellier, many throughout the country of Haiti live on less than $2 a day. "I feel personally obligated to help my fellow Haitians after I see them eat mud cake on TV. This is a way we can actually do something now," he said.

Skelos said, "This is an outstanding show of community support for our Haitian neighbors. I'm proud to not only lend a hand to the food drive, but will continue to work with Assemblyman Alfano, HAUP and HAFALI to make sure this injustice and tragedy is solved. The people who stand here with us today understand that we can't simply wish this to go away. We have to do something and this effort is all about that."

Elmont Memorial High School senior class President Ian Feurtado said the class would take part in the effort to help those in Haiti.

At the conclusion of the press conference, Alfano, Skelos, Augustin, Haitian residents and Elmont Memorial High School students led by senior class president Ian Feurtado walked to Associated Food Market on Linden Boulevard to make the first purchases of rice, beans, cooking oils and canned foods in the food drive effort.

The canned and non-perishable food drive collection points are Associated Supermarket on Linden Boulevard, Dr. Max Noel's office on Dutch Broadway, OKKK Karate School on Elmont Road, DUCH Travel, Assemblyman Alfano's office, HAUP on Linden Boulevard, Elmont Memorial High School, Gotham Avenue, Dutch Broadway, Alden Terrace, Clara Carlson, Covert Avenue and Stewart Manor Schools.

If residents or businesses want to get involved in the community effort, contact Assemblyman Alfano's office at 437-5577 or email him alfanot@assembly.state.ny.us.