The following email is from Judy Hoffman, founder of ACFFC. I received it at 10:45 this morning (1/15/10). It is a miracle that the school is still standing, and that the students and staff are alive. As of now, no aid at ALL is coming into Jacmel. Donations are sorely needed. All incoming donations to the school will be used for the relief of the entire community. Because the school still stands, it will serve as an aid station to the community. You can read about it in more detail below, or just scroll to the blue links to donate online. Please pass this on to anyone and everyone.
Good news. Last evening we were able to confirm that our children made it through, as did our staff/families. Most have no homes, and all are sleeping in the street. Many of the children can not find their families/relatives and those who can report that their homes have been destroyed as has much of Jacmel (buildings down everywhere, deaths and injuries have not yet been assessed, two schools collapsed I am told w children inside, etc.-horrible) There is no aid whatsoever that has made it in to Jacmel. Miracle is that our building is standing just is a miracle that all made it through and today they will go there (aftershocks over) and there is food and water. They are going to cook and take food to those in need just as I saw in my dreams. ACFFC is going to become a central aid point in Jacmel so we need all the help we can get. It is impossible to send supplies right now so please, we need to raise all the funds we can ... people are resourceful and I am told a market is open in Port Au Prince and that there are still things to be purchased in Jacmel. Each moment as it comes. And I am grateful.
I spoke with Georges middle of the night and all are in shock, but at least they are together. I also spoke with some of the girls. They are frightened and I did all I could, as did Gerline Lafontant Fenelon (who patched me through on the call) to assuage their immediate fears. We have promised them that as soon as we can, we will get there. In the meanwhile, Gerline's good friend Papoush who is in PAP is going to Jacmel this morning by moto or bike or foot to further assess the situation and see how we can best get done what needs to be done. Please write/call the world and let them know that Jacmel is getting no help so far at all and there is desperate need.
I spoke with Georges middle of the night and all are in shock, but at least they are together. I also spoke with some of the girls. They are frightened and I did all I could, as did Gerline Lafontant Fenelon (who patched me through on the call) to assuage their immediate fears. We have promised them that as soon as we can, we will get there. In the meanwhile, Gerline's good friend Papoush who is in PAP is going to Jacmel this morning by moto or bike or foot to further assess the situation and see how we can best get done what needs to be done. Please write/call the world and let them know that Jacmel is getting no help so far at all and there is desperate need.
We need to raise funds, knowing that ACFFC will be a central aid location in Jacmel. Our children are prepared to help as are staff. We are all one family. Please focus on raising funds. We can not yet bring in supplies. You may donate via www.artforhaitianchildren.org or by check (information provided on the site) or via our facebook page http://apps.facebook.com/causes/138201/22688483?m=71bb3202 - please call or send an email if you need information and I will respond as quickly as I am able.
Will update as have more news.
There is much work to be done.
We are all grateful.
Judy
No comments:
Post a Comment