Mesa Legend

Issue date: 2/9/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Kent Kearney Red Cross Disaster Relief vehicles are equipped with satellite and video capabilites, keeping relief workers connected and in-the- know at all times.

The impoverished island nation of Haiti continues to suffer after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake killed thousands and displaced millions leaving the nation dependent on global relief efforts.
Aid and relief operations in Port-au-Prince, Haiti have consumed and required the most emergency response assistance than any other single-country natural disaster.
The American Red Cross has spent an increasing $67 million in attempt to support the vital needs of those that survived the massive quake.
The Red Cross's main focus for relief aid is to provide food, drinking water and supply shelter accommodations such as tents, blankets and sleeping mats for the many left homeless and hungry.
A $10 mobile donation will supply one of the following disaster aids: two water containers for storing clean drinking water, a basic first aid kit or a climate appropriate blanket.
Local relief efforts include Mesa's United Way donating 100 percent of aid contributions to the Haitian people, guaranteeing no overhead expenses will be withheld.
The Vice President of Mesa United Way, T. Dan Wollam released a statement to the press about the company's relief efforts.
"It's in our heritage as Americans to want to respond to suffering people wherever they are. This does not detract from our mission here in Mesa, but we are not a community unto ourselves… We want to make it easier for people here to help," said Wollam.
Jacob Weinstein, Independent Senator for ASMCC, formed a Haitian Relief Committee on Jan. 26. He understood that MCC had the potential and capability to aid in humanitarian relief efforts.
"The committee should be formed to orchestrate the formation of relief efforts and to recruit necessary assistance from the student body to ensure procurement of needed supplies and/or consumables to be provided as part of the Haitian earthquake relief efforts," said Weinstein.
Through donations of non-monetary types, such as clothing and non-perishable food items, Weinstein, ASMCC and students at Mesa Community College can be of great assistance in Haiti's time of need.
In addition to the Haitian Relief Committee efforts, the MCC basketball teams sponsored "Hoops for Haiti." This was a charitable basketball game held at the Thunderbirds gym on Saturday, Jan. 30. Free admission was granted to those who brought a donation.
Such items donated for quake victims included medical supplies, non-perishable food items, blankets, bedding, toys and tents.
Red Cross relief donations in support of the Haiti emergency efforts can be made by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donations can be made by texting "Haiti" to 90999.
To donate to the Haiti emergency relief fund through the Mesa United Way call (480) 969-8601.

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