City Of Miami, Police & Fire Department Launch Donation Drive To Help Haiti Quake Victims
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The City of Miami, along with police and fire rescue, teamed up with Notre Dame d'Haiti Catholic Church on Friday collecting relief supplies for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
Those who showed up simply wanted to help ease some of the suffering of those who live in the quake zone in Haiti.
"Although we are all going through a lot of horrible things right now, these people are in such a horrible place that it's important to thank God for what we have and give as much to those who have so much less than us," said Adriana Silva who was donating supplies.
She plans to come back again with other items that are needed.
Roman Miguel is doing his part too.
"I brought medications for kids, adults and some bandages and things like that they can use in the hospital," Miguel said.
The City of Miami is vowing to step up efforts to help.
"Our brothers and sisters in Haiti are in desperate need of our help," said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.
Now people can drop donations off not only at the church, but some Miami Fire Stations as well.
"The city is now opening up its fire stations. If people want to make donations, financial, they can drop off, we'll pick them up daily," said District 5 Commissioner Jeffrey Watson.
Organizers say they don't need clothes or water at the moment, they're looking for non-perishable food items, toiletries, and tents for shelter. They're also accepting money; it can be dropped off the select fire stations. "The police will pick them up on a daily basis and bring them here, it will go directly, directly," Watson said.
With all the death, destruction and devastation in Haiti, Fr. Reggie Jean-Mary from the church is hoping this new partnership will encourage more people to give what they can.
"Today, Haiti is on its knees and therefore we cannot do it on our own. We need people that can help us," he said.
Last weekend's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the southern part of the country killed more than 2,200 people and destroyed more than 75,000 homes and businesses.
Donations may be dropped off at the following City of Miami Fire-Rescue stations from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily or at Notre Dame d'Haiti Catholic Church until further notice:
- Fire Station 9 – 69 NE 62 ST, 33138
- Fire Station 5 - 1200 NW 20 ST, 33142
- Fire Station 7 – 314 Beacom Blvd, 33135
- Fire Station 8 – 2975 Oak Ave, 33133
- Fire Station 11 – 5920 W Flagler St, 33144
- Notre Dame d'Haiti Catholic Church - 110 N.E. 62nd Street, 33138
Click here for a list of organizations gathering funds and supplies to help those in need in Haiti.