In my initial statement on the earthquake in Haiti, I mentioned that I would inform you of the best waysour community could provide assistance. At this time we have been advised that, no matter how well-intentioned, donations of items such as food and clothing are just not practical. As Mayor Bloomberg mentioned in his press release, there currently is no infrastructure in place to be able to deliver such items effectively in Haiti. Monetary donations to established relief organizations would have more impact.

If you would like to make a monetary donation to the cause, here are a few suggestions of organizations involved in relief efforts:

~ The American Red Cross. President Obama has stated that you can donate $10 to the Red Cross to assist the relief effort via text message by texting "HAITI" to "90999." Or, you could contribute online at <www.redcross.org>.

~ The United Nations World Food Program accepts donations online at <www.wfp.org>.

~ The Salvation Army accepts donations online at <www.salvationarmyusa.org>.

~ Project Hope, which provides medical supplies and health care services, accepts online donations at <www.projecthope.org>.

~ MusicianWyclef Jean, a native of Haiti, is accepting donations to his nonprofit organization by encouraging individuals to text "Yele" to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund. The money will be automatically charged to your monthly mobile phone bill.

Please use appropriate care in donating to any organization that claims to be collecting funds to help the victims of this disaster.

Kingsborough Community College is also mobilizing locally on several fronts to help those who have been affected by this tragedy. To provide support for our students, faculty, and staff who have family, relatives, or friends in Haiti, our Personal Counseling Office (D102, ext. 5975) will provide the following:

~ An increased number of counselors on staff in coming days who will be available to meet with students, faculty and staff.

~ A continued presence in the breezeway to provide relevant literature on coping with tragedy and direct students and staff to counseling services.

~ Information posted on the personal counseling website related to grief, trauma, and coping with tragedy and related links.
(http://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/sub-other/sub-student_current/counseling_personal.html)

~ Group support sessions for those interested.

~ Consultant services to staff and faculty if they need assistance in how to talk to students about this situation.

As we find additional ways in which our community may be helpful to the people of Haiti, we will pass suggestions on to you. Thank you.

Regina Peruggi, President