Around the Town: January 29, 2010

Written by Kate Murray, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Friday, 29 January 2010 00:00

Haiti Relief Efforts

With the recent disaster ravaging Haiti, we are all looking for ways to lend a helping hand. Residents can provide assistance to earthquake victims by making a financial donation to well established charitable and relief organizations or by donating non-monetary items at various collection locations throughout the township.

The January 12 earthquake caused an almost incomprehensible amount of death and destruction including over 70,000 fatalities, which is still rising, and millions of homeless, injured and traumatized people desperate for food, water and medicine.

The ethnic diversity that accentuates a population of 765,000 residents in Hempstead Town brings the tragedy and sorrow of the earthquake home to local neighborhoods and communities. Our friends and neighbors who have relatives or family histories in the impacted countries are truly grief stricken. As a township, it is imperative that we rally to the needs of our fellow residents with compassion and camaraderie.

I appeal to the many kind-hearted and well-intentioned town residents who share my concern for the earthquake victims and are willing to help in any way possible. Financial donations will provide a valuable impetus to the overall recovery effort and will ensure the immediate availability of food, clothing and medical supplies. Organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Unicef, AmeriCares and Doctors without Borders are suggested groups that are accepting checks for donation. In addition, the Town of Hempstead has partnered with the Elmont, Uniondale and Levittown School Districts in relief collection efforts for non-monetary donations. Please visit the town website at www.toh.li to review a complete listing of relief agencies and their phone numbers.