DSU Puts Its Heart into Haiti Relief Effort

Friday, January 22, 2010

In the tragic wake of the massive January 12 earthquake in Haiti that has claimed the lives of thousands and left

many others hungry and homeless, Delaware State University is coordinating several efforts to contribute to the

ongoing worldwide relief effort.

Student Affairs has organized the Heart for Haiti committee, with representation from the Office of Student

Leadership & Activities, student leaders and student health staff. DSU’s Heart for Haiti endeavors are being

manifested through several campus organizations as a natural expression of their capacity for compassion and

outreach on a global level.

DSU President Dr. Harry L. Williams is not surprised by the student response to the earthquake in Haiti.

Dr. Williams stated “We are committed to educating our students toward the goal of making their mark on the world.

It is gratifying to witness students actualizing this mantra as they mobilize the campus community to participate in

this tremendous opportunity for global community service.”

Student Government Association (SGA) President Kathleen Charlot, who also has Haitian roots said “Many students

realize the importance of the role they can play in such a worldwide relief effort. We have a lot of international

students at DSU who could be affected by disasters that happen throughout the world. It’s our duty as students and

citizens of the United States to care about people in other countries and to help people throughout the world when

the need arises.”

How can you participate in the student initiatives?

Visit the literature tables in the MLK student center and at home games for more information about campus relief efforts, Haiti and the effect of the earthquake as well as government calls for action and support.
Donate to the Haitian Student Association (HSA) coin drive, which has contribution receptacles located in all residence halls. Contact Mr. Emmanuel Lalande at elalande [at] desu.edu for additional locations.
Contribute donations at any event of the Pan Hellenic greek organizations on campus during the spring semester 2010. The SGA has committed to matching the total amount collected this semester by the Greek organizations.
Join DSU staff and students in supporting the White House relief effort by texting “QUAKE” to 20222 to charge a $10 donation to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (the donation will be added to your cell phone bill).
Share ideas and resources with the Heart for Haiti Committee as they are coordinating additional relief efforts. Contact: Emmanuel Lalande at elalande [at] desu.edu.

DSU Office of Counseling Services

Emergency on-call counselors are available 24/7. Counseling services can be accessed by calling (302) 857-7386.
Haitian Disaster Support Group meeting – 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday Jan. 28 in the Counseling Services Center

In addition, anyone in the DSU Community trying to contact family or friends in Haiti can contact the International Committee of the Red Cross at www.icrc.org/familylinks or at CNN iReport at www.ireport.com. Anyone trying to reach U.S. citizens in Haiti can call the U.S. State Department Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (888) 407-4747 or (202) 647-5225.