Local groups gathering money, aid for Haitians

By LISA BRITTON

Baker City Herald

As the world watches Haiti recover from the devastating earthquake that killed 200,000 and left millions more homeless, groups in Baker County are rounding up donations.

The Baker City Rotary Club has sent $1,000 to purchase a ShelterBox, which contains a tent that houses 10 people as well as a stove, blankets and other items.

Rotary International had a presence in Haiti before the earthquake — 33 projects designed to provide water, sanitation, medical care and education.

Members of the community are welcome to donate to this cause, said Ken Krohn of the local Rotary Club.

To donate to the ShelterBox project, go to the Web site www.shelterboxusa.org and click on the “donate now” link.

Also, you can make a one-time $5 donation to Rotary’s Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund by texting “ROTARY” to 90999.

In Halfway, the Relief Society at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is putting together humanitarian kits for Haitian orphanages, homeless shelters and medical facilities.

Each kit will contain:

• A box of gallon size, heavy duty resealable plastic bags

• Two unbreakable combs without sharp edges or handles

• Four toothbrushes (sealed)

• One tube of toothpaste (six to eight ounce, no pumps)

• Two bars of soap, 3.5 to 5 ounces each, unscented or lightly scented

• Two hand towels, approximately 15 inches by 25 inches (no dishtowels or washclothes)

“The items have to be exactly as listed, as International laws prevent any other items to be sent in these kits, and the kits will be discarded,” said Sharlene Curry, Relief Society president.

She said their goal is to make 50 or more kits.

For information about donating items, call Coleen Gilmore at 541-742-5287.

A gathering will be held Feb. 23 to assemble kits, at 6 p.m., at the LDS Church in Halfway.

Other contacts are Doreen Elguezabal 541-785-3363 or Sharlene Curry 541-742-6273.