Brotherly Love: Philadelphia Woman's Homegrown Effort To Help Haiti Making Big Difference
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia woman has started a homegrown effort to help Haiti. It took less than a week for it to make a big difference.
When Haiti was devastated by an earthquake in August, something changed for Saphangela Saint-Vil.
"I became tired of being a spectator," she said.
Saint-Vil, who is Haitian-American, started a five-day supply drive and she spread the word on Instagram.
She called it "215sass4haiti."
Little did she know that all this would pour in -- things like diapers, baby food, toiletries and water.
"It was extremely successful. We sent nine barrels to Haiti and full with clothes, medical supplies. I had sponsors," Saint-Vil said.
Shipping nine barrels costs more than $1,200. Some came out of her pocket, and supporters pitched in $500.
Saint-Vil's mother, who is still in Haiti, will coordinate the distribution.
Saint-Vil says this effort will continue.
"I'm going to keep this going. This is not temporary," she said.
Drop-off locations include The Nile Cafe at 6008 Germantown Avenue and JME Multi-Services at 422 West Olney Avenue.
