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Locals support aid to Haiti quake victims
Mar 19, 2010
The Pine Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross received more than $21,000 for Haiti relief efforts during a day long fundraising drive Wednesday at Sawmill Square Mall.
Whether giving 50 cents or $50, area residents turned out in droves to support the organization’s efforts in the island country, that was devastated by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake last week.
Peggy Owens-Mansfield, executive director of the local Red Cross chapter, said donors traveled to Laurel from all four counties the agency serves including Jones, Jasper, Wayne and Smith counties. WDAM also co-sponsored the event.
“Our Smith County board members made a donation,” she said. “We had someone come from Wayne County Middle School and South Jones High School. We heard from every county we serve, both individuals and groups.”
An individual from Grand Rapids, Mich., who was in town visiting friends and family, also donated to the drive, Owens-Mansfield said.
“We’ve had a great response,” she said. “We had a really large turnout of volunteers. Without our volunteers, we couldn’t do it. There’s just a few of us (on salary).”
Several volunteers even stood under a tent outside, to protect them from the rainy conditions.
Laurel resident Bernice Welch was one of several who visited the Red Cross’ booth in the Sawmill Square Mall center court Wednesday.
“It looked like they needed the money,” Welch said, when asked why she decided to donate.
Virginia Smith, who works in the pharmacy department for Family Health Center, said the stories and photos from Haiti on TV helped her decide to donate. However, a certain disaster known as Hurricane Katrina was another key factor.
“It could have been us like when Katrina hit,” she said. “We know what it’s like. I wanted to do what I can to help. It’s about helping.”
According to the American Red Cross’ Website at www.redcross.org, the organization has provided more than 100 tons of aid in Haiti with planes and trucks continuing to come daily.
In partnership with the World Food Program, approximately 3 million pre-packaged meals will be provided to those in need. Tents and shelter supplies are also being provided to an initial 20,000 families.
To donate to the Haiti relief efforts, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution. A $10 donation made through mobile giving can provide a family with two water cans to store clean drinking water, a blanket appropriate to the climate or other supplies to give people the ability to cook for their families.
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Photos
Laurel resident Bernice Welch, right, gives a check to American Red Cross volunteers Wednesday during a fundraising drive at Sawmill Square Mall. The Red Cross was able to collect over $21,000 during the day long event, which was also sponsored by WDAM.
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