Students and local nonprofit organizations should help out with Haiti disaster relief
Haiti was hit Tuesday by an earthquake that measured 7.0 on the Richter scale, the biggest the Caribbean has seen in nearly 200 years.
More than three million people lost their homes and all their possessions.
The death toll is at an estimated 50,000 people.
Saying Haiti has experienced a disaster is putting it lightly.
America has come forth and provided relief that the country desperately needs.
But the disaster will take time and continual input if Haiti is to get back on its feet again.
Students, local nonprofits and charity groups are encouraged to donate and help as possible with the disaster relief in Haiti.
Haiti has not had an easy past, and its political system is much like the earthquake that ravaged the country.
The country faced a rebellion in 2004 against then-president Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
The Brazilian Army also has occupied the country as part of the United Nations Stabilization Mission.
The country has seen its share of conflicts right up to the disaster.
The country is one of the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, despite being less than a mere 800 miles away from Florida.
The earthquake came without warning, catching people by surprise and without a plan. Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, has completely collapsed.
A third of the country has become homeless in the span of a single day.
For a little country that had its fair share of trouble, life became immensely more difficult.
President Barack Obama said, “the losses that have been suffered in Haiti are nothing less than devastating. Responding to a disaster of this magnitude will require every element of our national compacity.”
Obama has said America is committed to helping out Haiti for as long as possible.
America’s leadership and willingness to help shows our appeal to humanity, even during a time where parts of the world think of America as a bully and nothing more than an aggressor.
All local charity groups that wield the ability to help Haiti should do so.
Students too can help out without leaving Michigan, or even mailing anything.
By texting Haiti to 90999, students can donate $10, which is added to their phone bill.
Skipping one night of going to the bar or not eating out will allow students to save enough money for a donation.
Students also can get involved by volunteering with local organizations.
The results of helping out may not be seen directly but, rest assured, it is helping someone in need.
What has happened in Haiti is tragic. We should not forget that we are fortunate and, in some cases, lucky to be American and part of a developed country.
Every person should find some way to help, even if it seems small and miniscule.
