County Executive Astorino and Legislators
Outline Haitian Relief Efforts
The Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers), Westchester County Board Vice-Chairman Lyndon Williams (D-Mount Vernon) and Legislator Alfreda Williams (D-Greenburgh), joined by Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino called upon all Westchester residents to do what they can to help in the international response effort to the deadly earthquake in Haiti.
“The thoughts and prayers of Westchester’s residents go out to the families directly affected by this tragedy,” said Chairman Jenkins. “As the immediate relief effort is underway in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas, the Westchester County government is working with local community-based organizations, clergy leaders and caring residents from all parts of our county to identify needed resources. As a county, we are more than ready to extend our help to the people of Haiti to the extent that we possibly can.”
Government leaders were joined by local community stakeholders, clergy, business leaders and colleagues to outline various local community efforts in response to the disaster in Haiti. Westchester County is home to approximately 5,000 people of Haitian ancestry.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti and all of their loved ones everywhere, especially here in Westchester,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “As this tragedy has unfolded, people across Westchester have continued to ask, ‘How can I help?’ Toward that end, we have posted information on the county’s website, Westchestergov.com, on how they can contribute to the relief effort. In the days ahead, we will monitor the situation closely to see what other ways we can help.”
In terms of donation efforts, County leaders are urging residents that, for now, monetary donations are the best way to immediately get help to the region. In the meantime, assessment teams are gathering information about what material goods are needed. Although, not as greatly needed at this time, they urge the Westchester community to consolidate their efforts in gathering provisions like clothing and medical supplies. To coordinate donation efforts, contact the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) or the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) at 703-276-1914.
“As the representative to the largest population of Haitian immigrants in Westchester, I am truly saddened by the catastrophe that has hit Haiti, causing the tremendous destruction of one of the jewels of the Caribbean,” said Vice-Chairman Williams. “It truly is a heart-wrenching tragedy in a nation that, as we all know, has had more than its share of hardship. However, as we learn more about the devastation, many of us will be looking for ways to help. At this point, the best way to help is through a financial donation. Unfortunately during times such as these there are some who try to talk advantage of the situation. After September 11th, hundreds of bogus support efforts sprang up and thousands of people donated money to organizations that just pocketed what they collected. The County has compiled a list of local relief efforts for concerned residents who wish to donate their time, finances or necessities in response to the tragedy.” Access this list on the county’s website at www.westchestergov.com.
“We should all say an additional prayer for the many selfless Westchester residents who were volunteering their time in Haiti when the earthquake occurred, and for some, whose safety is not yet known,” said Legislator Alfreda Williams (D-Greenburgh). “The response from ordinary citizens in the aftermath of this horrific tragedy has been awe-inspiring, especially here in Westchester. I encourage all residents to reach out to one of the many international aid agencies currently on the ground in Haiti to ask how they may be able to help the rescue and relief effort. Westchester residents will do everything we can -- as soon as we can -- to help the people of Haiti recover.”
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