FULL ARTICLE HERE: http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=11815740
Local organization rallies to bring relief efforts to Haiti
Posted: Jan 13, 2010 12:02 PM
By Monica Rix
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Relief efforts have begun in Haiti, after the island was leveled by a massive earthquake on January 12th.
Even here in Northern Alabama, folks are rallying to find a way to help, and plan on bringing as much aid to the island as possible.
"It is not over. But even in the midst of it all, I thank God because it could have been worse," said Simeon Nerelus, who was shocked when he heard about the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked his home island of Haiti.
"It's very scary and I can't imagine the hopelessness of the people. The victims, they must be frightened right now," he added.
Nerelus is taking action.
He founded the Haiti Emergency Relief Organization, or HERO, that helps underprivileged people, mostly children, with medical care on the island.
The group was just in Haiti last December and were supposed to go back next week.
"The main purpose of this organization is to run these orphanages and take care of dozens of kids. We got word early this morning that two of the orphanages had completely collapsed. Most of them got out, but there are a few that remain missing and did not get out," said Troy Moore, who works with HERO.
And the danger on the island isn't over.
"I think the aftershocks are probably the biggest threat. The way things are built there, there's no building codes, the buildings are stacked on top of each other, so when one falls it's like a domino effect," said Moore.
The group will still make the trip, but Moore says they're now shifting their focus.
"Part of their effort next week is to see how we can get in there and what kind of supplies we can get in over there," he said.
"It's time to come together as one to help our brothers, our neighbors, in Haiti right now because we can not even start to imagine the horror that people are going through," said Nerelus.
HERO organizers will be leaving for Haiti next week, but want your help in providing aid to those who need it on the island.
Food, clothes, even financial contributions are welcome.
Donations can be dropped off at Trinity United Methodist Church, off of Airport Road, and at Hudson Alpha Institute, off of Moquin Drive, in Huntsville.
For more information on HERO, click here or call (256)665-6151.
You can also track HERO's relief efforts on the island by clicking here.
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Drop off your FOOD donation to HudsonAlpha
6900 Moquin Drive, Huntsville, AL, 35806
Make CHECKS PAYABLE TO TRINITY United Methodist Church
Times: 10am - 4pm Daily
Questions: email us at haitifooddrive@gmail.com
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