Worcester-Based Charity With Deep Ties To Haiti Joins Hurricane Relief Efforts
WORCESTER (CBS) -- As the people of Haiti recover from another disaster, hope and help is on the way.
On Saturday, dozens of families brought monetary donations, canned goods, toiletries, clothing and toys to the Be Like Brit Foundation headquarters in Worcester.
Hurricane Matthew devastated the country which is still recovering from the earthquake that hit in 2010.
"They literally lost everything they had," said founder Cherylann Gengel. "Come down to 66 Pullman Street in Worcester, we are accepting monetary donations, peanut butter, tuna fish."
Gengel's daughter, 19-year-old Brit Gengel, died in the 2010 catastrophic Haiti earthquake. She was in Haiti as part of a relief effort two days before the earthquake struck. Now her compassion to help those in need lives on through the family foundation which includes an orphanage in Haiti.
"They just have the basic needs and not all those needs are met in Haiti," Gengel said. "After this hurricane hit, it's very difficult, and so for us as an organization, that's why we feel it's extremely important that we help our neighbors."
Ten-year-old Kara Sweeney emptied her piggy bank for kids she's never met but she knows this is what Britney would do.
"Britney was my cousin and I miss her, so it's just I'm happy to give back," said Sweeney.
"She was a very compassionate kid, She fell in love with the country, but more importantly with the people, and she saw that they literally had nothing but they worked so hard," said Gengel.
For more information about the foundation or how you can help, visit BeLikeBrit.org
