Sulphur Springs Community Leader, Valanderous Bell, announced a local,
Hopkins County Relief Effort, for residents of Haiti, affected by this week's
devastating earthquake.

 

 

 

Hopkins County "Hearts For Haiti" Relief Fund
Announced at Friday Morning Press Conference

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Representatives from all 5 financial institutions in Hopkins County were at Friday's press
conference to lend their resources and support for the Haitian Relief Effort.

 

It was at a press conference at Guaranty Bond Bank, on Friday morning, at 10:00 a.m., that began a local, Hopkins County Relief Effort, for earthquake victims in Haiti. Valanderous Bell, local organizer of the effort, challenged those present and those living in Hopkins County, "Put yourself and your family in Haiti, and see what the need would be, and give accordingly!"

"We're a very blessed people and God has seen fit not to choose us to endure the devestation that has reigned-down on the populace of Haiti," exclaimed Bell. "Thus, I feel he's wanting our response to those who are hurting and in need!"

In cooperation with all five of the local banks, donations can be safely made at any of the locations in Hopkins County, and they are asking that all check be made payable to "The American Red Cross," and if you want the funds to go directly to the Haitian Effort, write on the memo of the check, "International Response." The money will be collected and delivered to the local American Red Cross, who will send it directly to the relief effort. Cash donations can be made at the local banks, and donors are asked to include their name and address on an envelope, place their contribution inside, and seal it, and the American Red Cross will deliver a receipt to you. Bank debit cards can also be used and the amount requested will be donated from you account!

 

 

 

Craig and Dawn Morgan, with the local Amercian Red Cross, and Lori Brookins, with the
area Emergency Services Specialists for the American Red Cross, were at Friday's meeting
to explain relief efforts by their organization.

 

Representatives of Alliance Bank, City National Bank, Guaranty Bond Bank, Pilgrim's Bank, and Texas Heritage Bank were all present, lending their support for the effort and pledging their employees to handle the funds donated. "We, like everyone else, have a heart for those people who are suffering," exclaimed Craig Roberts, President of Guaranty Bond Bank. "We want to do everything possible to ease their misery and help them to receive the life sustaining services that they need!"

Representatives of the American Red Cross were at Friday's new conference and explained the efforts that are already underway and would be forthcoming. Michelle Connors, from the Dallas Office of the American Red Cross, explained that aid for 5,000 families was already enroute from warehouses in Panama and that over $1 million in funds had been pledged for aid to the Haitian people. "It's a very, very poor and impoverished country and the death tolls continue to rise, as reports come to us!" expressed Connors. "It's going to be an ongoing effort to get the basic necessities for these people, and to try to relieve their suffering!"

"I'm just continually amazed at the giving heart that people from Hopkins County continue to have," expressed local Red Cross Volunteer, Dawn Morgan. "This is just an example of how our community comes together, as God would intend us to do, to help our brothers and sisters in need!"

"The infrastructure in Haiti is destroyed, and efforts are to get aid through The Dominican Republic, by trucking supplies to Haiti," denoted Craig Morgan, local volunteer. "The Florida National Guard arrived this morning and are delivering supplies as we speak, and doing everything possible in rescue missions!"

 

 

"Other than actually being there and handing out bottles of water, the best thing that local individuals can do is to donate their money, so it can be used where needed," continued Morgan. "It's going to be a monumental effort and one that will take years to restore! The simple things that we take for granted of running water, basic food and shelter, and the medical facilities, have all been destroyed, in this impoverished nation!"

"I think we should realistically set a goal of $25,000.00 or more for Hopkins County," declared Bell. "Hopefully, we can collect more, but we need to start somewhere and we'll begin with that goal in mind. The initial effort will be from today, January 15th, thru February 15th, as we begin collecting funds and doing our part to help relieve the suffering in Haiti!"

The local relief effort has been christened "Hearts for Haiti," to correspond with the traditional Valentine's theme and to ask local resident to "give from the heart," to help others in need! "We're hoping that local churches, civic organizations, and clubs will join forces with us and conduct special offerings for this effort, so that we can meet our goals and help these very needy people," related Bell. "These are our fellow brothers and sisters in need!"

Remember that your donation can be made at any of the financial institutions in Hopkins County!

 

 

"Hearts for Haiti"

 

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