City Leaders, Community Members Discuss Help for Haiti

City Hall Collecting Clothing, Bedding, Medical Supplies for Haiti

– Allison Goldsberry

City Hall will serve as a central location for those looking to donate much-needed clothing and medical supplies for Haitian earthquake victims.

Several large bins will be in the lobby of Medford City Hall to collect new or lightly-used clothing, bedding, and medical supplies.

“During this awful time, we must come together to help the Haitian people. We are collecting the following items for the next two weeks to send to Haiti. It is my hope that all Medford residents will be able to contribute in some way to this most important cause,” said Mayor Michael McGlynn in a statement.

Mayor McGlynn gathered city officials and community leaders on Monday morning to discuss relief efforts for quake victims.

“The need is urgent and immediate. It is my hope that all Medford citizens will reach into their hearts and give as generously as possible to help the Haitian people as they try to recover from this terrible natural disaster,” said Mayor McGlynn.

Medford Board of Health Director Karen Rose said her department is currently collecting medical supplies to send to Haiti, including latex and non latex gloves, alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer, bacitracin, bandages, Vaseline, sterile water, large rolls of gauze, ibuprofen, Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, and antibotics for wounds.

Gwen Blackburn, Medford’s Representative to Tri City’s Haitian Relief Coalition, said local people will be heading to Haiti around February 6 to deliver whatever is collected.

Blackburn urged people not to forget about helping the quake victims, who will still be suffering long after the story is no longer in the news.

“People can not forget…This is a long, on-going tragedy.  This is not going to end soon,” said Blackburn.

Several Haitian Medford High School students who have lost loved ones shared their stories at the meeting.  Anya Pierre-Louis lost her uncle and two cousins.

“I know the Haitian community is very strong.  I know we can get through this,” said Pierre-Louis.

Pierre-Louis urged students at Medford High School to “stick together” to help each other deal with their losses.

Last week, students and faculty at Medford High raised close to $3,000, which will be donated to the Red Cross and UNICEF.

In addition to the city’s relief efforts, Hyatt Place is collecting canned goods, clothing, and blankets through Friday, January 29 at the following locations: Hyatt Place, Medford, Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Waltham and Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Burlington.

Financial donations are also being accepted at Century Bank. Checks should be made payable to the “Haitian Relief Fund” and mailed or dropped off at the Century Bank on 140 Ferry Street in Malden, MA 02148.

Haitian Evangelical Holiness Church and Reverend Ronald Pierre are hosting a community vigil on Saturday, January 30 from 6PM-9PM at the First Community United Methodist Church, located at 55 Otis Street in Medford.

For people who have requests for passports or travel information or the whereabouts of relatives or friends in Haiti, information is being coordinated by Congressman Edward J. Markey’s Office. Please contact Maggie McClory at (781) 396-2900.