On Jan. 12, more than 217,000 Haitians were killed and 300,000 injured in a catastrophic earthquake that occurred near the town of Léogâne, located approximately 16 miles west of Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince. The earthquake reached a magnitude of 7.0 Mw, and at least 52 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater have been recorded since then, causing even greater damage. It is estimated that 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings have collapsed or are severely damaged, and the death toll is expected to keep rising.
“The devastation people of Haiti are facing as a result of this earthquake is incomprehensible,” said Reba Barnes, director of servant leadership. “Every day on the news, we see the aftermath of this quake. We listen to the tragic stories of the thousands of people who are injured and homeless, and we hear their plea for the supplies they so desperately need. It’s time that we stop listening and start doing.”
Last month, Darlington collected school supplies and gently used youth and adult clothing to send to earthquake victims. The school also sought donations from churches and other community organizations.
“A member of our school community and one of my good friends was generous enough to donate a tractor trailer, and we want to fill it!” said Soccer Academy Director Chad Liddle, who is coordinating the effort after spending some time in Haiti this fall. “Even before this earthquake, I can tell you from my own experience in Haiti that the people there did not have the resources they need, but somehow they were happy and thankful for everything they did have. I can only imagine what the living conditions must be now for those who were lucky enough to survive this earthquake. That’s why it’s so important for us to do something.”
According to Liddle, donated items were flown into Haiti via Missionary Flights International, a private non-profit mission aviation service operating out of Fort Pierce, Fla.
Several student clubs and organizations – and even some individual students – have also come up with creative ways to support the Haiti relief effort. Second-grader Alex Liddle has raised more than $300 by selling handmade beaded necklaces and bracelets featuring phrases such as “Pray for Haiti.” Sixth-graders Hanna Jon Lewis and Rachel Jacobs organized a bake sale that also raised close to $300. The Middle School French Club was able to collect over $1,000 in first aid supplies, which have already been sent to orphanages in and around Port-au-Prince. The Upper School French Club also held a bake sale to benefit the people of Haiti, raising over $165. The Darlingtones and Random Notes a cappella singing groups raised $532 through their Hearts for Haiti Valentine’s fundraiser. And Upper School students have collected more than 180 pairs of jeans through Jeans for Haiti, a nationwide effort sponsored by the clothing store Aeropostale.
“I am so proud of our students and our entire school family for jumping on board with our efforts to provide some much-needed aid to the people of Haiti,” Barnes said. “Everyone has truly put ‘Service beyond Self,’ as we say in our school motto, and though it may not seem like much, together we are making a difference.”
