‘Ceaseless spirit of giving’ prompts Americans to help Haitians
hit by quake
Even though it’s about 3,000 miles away from Hollister, relief
efforts following last week’s earthquake in Haiti are top of mind
for many locals who have the opportunity to help a worthy cause and
show the virtuous side of humanity.
As of mid-week, there had been ranging estimates for the number
of deaths in the Caribbean island nation, but the number only
precisely defines the horror caused by the magnitude-7.3 earthquake
in one of the poorest countries in the world, possibly the most
poverty-stricken in the Western hemisphere.
‘Ceaseless spirit of giving’ prompts Americans to help Haitians hit by quake
Even though it’s about 3,000 miles away from Hollister, relief efforts following last week’s earthquake in Haiti are top of mind for many locals who have the opportunity to help a worthy cause and show the virtuous side of humanity.
As of mid-week, there had been ranging estimates for the number of deaths in the Caribbean island nation, but the number only precisely defines the horror caused by the magnitude-7.3 earthquake in one of the poorest countries in the world, possibly the most poverty-stricken in the Western hemisphere.
Residents in Hollister, as throughout the country, have been drawn into the devastation, particularly through advanced technology and the heart-breaking footage shown worldwide. Some locals, to their credit, jumped at the chance to aid the effort just about as soon as the tragedy occurred. The fruit of their work, a benefit at Mars Hill Coffeehouse downtown, is set to take place Saturday with a variety of entertainment offerings put on by the facility’s performing arts team.
There are many other opportunities to help as well, such as the many donation boxes being left out by area businesses and nonprofit organizations.
As we have learned, however, participating in such an urgent form of charity can be as easy as picking up a cell phone and texting “HAITI” TO 90999 to donate $10 – while several companies and organizations have set up convenient methods for donating online with the click of a mouse.
The options are available, easy and widespread. It’s a sign that Americans not only carry a ceaseless spirit of giving back to others in need, but that technology will allow for instant participation from just about anywhere on the globe.
If residents are on the fence about donating – considering there have been warnings about potentially fraudulent organizations accepting them – we suggest giving to such groups as the American Red Cross or UNICEF, from which 100 percent of donations will go to the Haiti relief efforts.
In a country as poor and unprepared for catastrophe as Haiti, this crisis will not curtail anytime soon and it will demand a continually strong support from America and its people.
It’s important, in the meantime, that the tragedy stays top of mind in places across the country such as Hollister. Human nature pushes people to become less conscious of such tragedies as time moves on. In the days, weeks and months ahead, however, people will continue to perish. They will continue to suffer and to need help from those willing to give it.
For a list of ways to help the effort,
see page B3.
