Howard Unites for Haiti
Hundreds of concerned students gathered in the Blackburn ballroom with one thought in mind, “How can I help Haiti?” The Haitian Student Association, Howard University Student Association (HUSA), Religious Fellowship Council (RFC), and Office of Religious Life held a planning meeting Thursday evening to turn students fervor into action. With the organization of five committees (PR, Fundraising, Logistics, Event Planning, and Spiritual Relief), Chair of RFC Melech Thomas promised that Howard University is going to make a grand presence.
It is not a time to come together to talk about our feelings or to share our thoughts about what happened, we’ve come together to talk about our action. (Thomas)
According to HUSA President Bryan Smart, students were driven by a desire and passion to act now and make a difference. After seeing students break down in tears at Wednesday’s vigil, Smart said they knew they needed to do something. HUSA Vice-President Jerome Joseph said they will place bins around campus within the coming weeks in dormitories and Blackburn to help collect the items the Haitian Embassy listed on its website.
Baby formula (dry/powder)
Baby wipes
Baby bottles
Diapers
Baby clothes
Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste)
Hand sanitizer
Vitamins
First aid kits
Over the counter medicines
Socks
Blankets
Mosquito repellent
Flashlights
Batteries
Candies
Flip Flops
T-shirts, pants, lightweight jackets
Smart said they will continue to collect money, and they will continue to offer support to those students affected by the tragedy. Furthermore, HUSA plans to use money from the Emergency Fund to help with relief efforts in addition to fundraising (The Emergency Fund is money set aside each year from student fees due to a student vote in the 90s).
Thomas said students are beginning to see beyond the superficial and return to a heart of service and justice.
The Haitian Embassy will collect items listed above on Sunday, January 17 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW.
Students wishing to join a committee can e-mail SmartJoseph09@gmail.com
