As local families press for news of loved ones in earthquake ravaged Haiti, Rockland officials and cultural organizations are rallying to help with information and gather donations for relief efforts.
In Ramapo, town Supervisor Christopher P. St. Lawrence was joined by a group of local leaders, at a meeting that focused on Haitian disaster relief soon after news of the earthquake broke.
“An earthquake of such magnitude has led to the total collapse of Port-A-Prince and the tragic loss of an untold number of lives – Ramapo stands ready to do all we can to help Haiti as we have done in the past,” said St. Lawrence.
The Town of Ramapo, assisted by Haitian community organizations, Ramapo civic groups and local, state and national political officials is:
· Creating a support group for local residents who may have lost loved ones in the disaster.
· Staffing a Help Desk to disseminate information over Cable TV (Cablevision and Verizon FIOS) by telephone at (845) 357-8730, and on the Town of Ramapo website: www.ramapo.org
Town Clerk Christian G. Sampson is coordinating the Help Desk. If anyone wishes to contribute to the relief effort they can do so by calling his office at 845-357-5100, ext. 263. Medical supplies and cash donations are immediate priorities, St. Lawrence said.
“I have been in contact with U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand’s Office, U.S. Congressman Eliot L. Engel’s Office and the Haitian Consulate, who have expressed their willingness to be of assistance – while we await specific details of the tragedy, my prayers are with those who may have loved ones in Haiti” said St. Lawrence.
Efforts to help victims of the quake are taking place throughout Rockland. Donation drop off points include the County Legislature offices at the County Office Building in New City, Clarkstown Town Hall in New City and the offices of the Village of Haverstraw.
Reported by The Rockland Review.
