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Update: Aid Arrives in Haiti, Helps Thousands


By Analiz G. Schremmer

Buckner has sent three relief shipments valued at more than $568,000 to Haiti since the earthquake and another is on the way, said Matt Asato, director of international humanitarian aid for Buckner.

“These shipments, which are each the size of an 18-wheeler truck, have a huge impact in the lives of people who have lost everything. We couldn’t have done it without the help of so many volunteers and donors,” he said.

The latest shipment was sent March 12, he said, and included 9,831 pairs of shoes, 112 cases of water 1,050 blankets, school supplies, stuffed bears and medical supplies. In total, that one shipment was valued at $308,511.

[caption id="attachment_2318" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Gladys Thomas, director of Hope Children's Village and Hospital, is comforted by an aid worker in Port Au Prince. "][/caption]

Asato said that the shipments being sent through the Dominican Republic, where Buckner staff and partners can arrange for supplies to be driven across the border into Haiti.

The second shipment is expected to arrive in Port Au Prince mid-March and includes Crocs, baby items, clothing, bottled water, linens, medical supplies, hygiene kits and toys. It is valued at $164,692.The first shipment, valued at $95,000, arrived in Haiti on March 1.

Buckner was also able to send nearly 25,000 pairs of new shoes from Shoes for Orphan Souls through a partner organization based out of Florida, too.

“One of the neatest things about all of this is seeing how everyone has come together in support of the earthquake victims,” Asato said. “We had a couple of teen boys selling t-shirts to raise funds for Haiti, we had a young girl collecting stuffed toys, and we had all kinds of volunteers coming in to sort everything.

“This has been really positive for everyone because I think that a lot of times, people want to help those in need and they may go about it in a way that isn’t effective. But by working through Buckner and our partner ministries, people have really had the chance to make a difference.”

To make a donation to support Buckner efforts in Haiti, click here or call 1-800-774-7463. Visit www.buckner.org/HaitiRelief to learn more about the ways you can help.

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