SSU Contributes to the Haiti Relief Efforts

 The devastating 7.0 earthquake that hit the minute island of Haiti on Jan. 12 around 5 p.m. has left death and uncertainty in its wake.

Everyday thousands of bodies are driven to deserted locations and dumped without any ceremony or headstone. 

The small city of Port Au- Prince is now lined with dead bodies along the streets while many more bodies are trapped underneath the failed infrastructure.

Each day volunteers fight to free people who are trapped under shattered buildings and bring them to safety.

Supply boxes filled with water, food, bleach, blankets, formula and basic living necessities are being delivered daily. Americans are stepping up in vast numbers with cash donations and non-perishable gifts.

Savannah State University is among the many HBCUs contributing to the Haitian relief efforts.

In a letter addressed to faculty and staff, SSU President Earl G. Yarbrough, Ph.d., said, "The SSU family extends its heartfelt condolences to the people of Haiti and ask you to make a charitable donation to the SSU Annual Fund Haitian Relief Campaign."

The campaign is organized so that campus donors can donate a lump sum of cash or pick a monetary contribution and pay in installments. 

Employees who choose to pay in installments may have a certain monetary amount deducted from their paycheck monthly. There are also reward benefits for donating at a certain level. All funds will be disbursed to the Red Cross.

Various groups on campus, through the Department of Student Life and Organizations, are also getting involved. 

Gary D. Oliver, coordinator of student events, is over most of these relief efforts.

"The Zeta Phi Beta, the Freshman Academy and the Student Government Association are all collecting funds right now," Oliver said. "The money they collect will go towards the total amount from Savannah State."

Oliver said the situation in Haiti demands constant attention.

"The crisis in Haiti is terrible and devastating. It needs our support over many years," Oliver said.           

For some members of the SSU family, the tragedy in Haiti has affected them personally.

Dr. Irvin Clark, vice president of student affairs, has a special connection to Haiti.

"My ex-wife's parents have a hotel in Haiti and fortunately their hotel was not totally destroyed," Clark said. "I believe the world has an obligation to help Haiti and every effort, be it food, blankets or cash, is great."