I have often mentioned the needs for the orphanage ...they are many. Food, Water and Shelter are always first on any survival list. In my original post I discussed tarps as ONE of the options people consider, and a few have been donated already.
If you see a tarp as a more useful tool for them, by all means, donate one. Donate a tent, donate old gear that can get these folks back on their feet and into some better living conditions..The conditions are a little vague, I know that, and I apologize. My friend (the construction guy)is down there this week, and I can get some more info when he gets back. Mallery (the girl who runs the orphanage is 22 or 23 yrs. old) and is swamped with needs for the kids and the logistics of getting food and water and shelter for them. Seems the government has slowed down the airport and supplies are limited to the community, yet, there are lots of supplies.
Contacting her with a bunch of emails and questions seems a little rude to me. She is doing more important work, and her time can be spent more wisely.
I appreciate the questions and am not upset in any way. It is confusing and I will agree with you there. We did receive an email from her a week ago, and from that, I posted this thread. I only knew of a need and I am asking my friends here for help. If you have a better idea, I am all ears.
I don't want to sound like a know it all, or take total control of this fundraising cause. I know that a lot of folks have more experience than I. There are lots of ways to donate items, if this method seems 'weird' or 'unsure'. Take your ideas and run with them. I have received many awesome items, from an extremely generous community. I never in any way said 'hammocks only'. Read back thru the thread.
If you are willing or capable to donate then great, that is all I am asking. Present kid count at the orphanage is around 200+ kids per day, from what I've heard. Mallery is accepting children into her home to give them a safehaven, and I am trying to offer some kind of relief, where we can and how we can. This is a team effort.
If you feel a tarp is better then donate one. If you feel a waterfilter is a better idea, then go for it. If you think donating to another cause is better (Red Cross, churches, or one of the many other charities) then great. If you feel that donating to some country in the middle of nowhere is not important, well, that is you perogative.
My wife and her family do work at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic (the other side of the Island from Haiti). while not specifically in Haiti, the conditions are similar, poverty, bad food supplies, limited fresh water, bad sanitation, and a stagnant government that breaks into our donations and keeps them. We basically smuggle in food, clothing, medicine. It is sad to see that our generosity is invaded by the people in control down there.
We are in motion to get team together for a trip to Haiti in July.(as well as a pre-planned trip to the DR) We have gathered a few volunteers for this trip and have had a few monetary donations to allow this trip to happen.
Money is tight all over, but we feel it is our calling or destiny to go.
I don't want to sound angry, I am not. Just trying to explain my situation. You are entitled to your feelings. I know of a need and I'm trying to help. Lots of folks are trying to help. Bless you all, on whatever decision you make.
Again, I am open to ideas. Send a tarp. Send medical supplies. Send whatever. All will put to good use by the orphanages kids.
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