Lehman Community Supports Haiti Relief Efforts

The Haitian earthquake disaster has brought unprecedented destruction and tragedy to this island nation. With thousands killed or rendered homeless, Haitians currently face unimaginable grief and suffering. The Lehman College community has come together during this time to implement a number of relief efforts for Haiti.

For those looking to locate New York State citizens thought to be in Haiti at the time of the quake, the State has established an online registry. Visit www.ny.gov/governor and click on the "New York State Registry of New York Citizens in Haiti." A toll-free hotline has been established at 1-888-769-7243 and is answered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

The following relief efforts are being undertaken at Lehman:

• An account has been opened at the College to receive donations, which will be disbursed to the American Red Cross. Checks made out to the “Lehman College Haitian Relief Fund” may be delivered to the Office of Community Service, Service Learning, and New Student programs in Shuster Hall, Room 210. All contributions are fully tax-deductible.
• The College will accept donations of non-perishable food and medical supplies for distribution in Haiti. Current collection sites include the Office of Campus Life, Campus Life Building, Room 222; Office of Community Service, Shuster Hall, Room 208; Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Shuster Hall, Room 204; and the Student Health Center, T-3 Building, Room 118.
• A Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is collecting donations to help support the Life Church of Allentown, Pa., whose Haitian orphanage was destroyed by the quake. Several church members have traveled to Haiti to take part in rescue operations. Monetary donations may be delivered to a box the Committee has set up in front of the APEX, while canned items and medical supplies may be delivered to women’s basketball head coach Eric Harrison or track and field coach Lesleigh Hogg. Contact Coach Harrison at 718-960-7175 for further information.
• A committee called “Lehman Sauve Haiti (Save Haiti)” has been formed by more than 40 students. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 3, 4, and 5, members of the group will help to collect money for the Red Cross. Collections will be made at a table in Carman Hall and Shuster Hall.
• “Lehman Sauve Haiti" has designated February 22 to February 26 as H.A.W.K. (Haiti Aid Week) and will hold a number of events designed to raise awareness about the tragedy. The entire campus community is invited to participate in H.A.W.K. Email community.service@lehman.cuny.edu or call 718-960-8151 for more information. Student leaders involved with H.A.W.K. will give talks at various campus locations to explain the Committee’s objectives. Times and locations will be announced.
• February 23 has been designated “Blue and Red Day” to show solidarity and support for the Haitian people. Blue-and-red ribbons will be on sale for $2 at various campus locations. Students also will be asked to wear blue and/or red that day to show their support for Haiti.
• A candlelight/cell phone vigil is planned for February 24 at 5 p.m. on campus to remember those lost in the earthquake. Donation boxes will be on site to receive canned food, clothing, medical supplies, and bottled water. On February 26, students, faculty, and staff will gather to package relief items gathered during the course of the semester.
• A benefit concert is planned for February 25.
  Amanda Dubois, coordinator of the Office of Community Service, Service Learning, and New Student Programs, is coordinating the relief efforts and will provide additional information about relief activities as it becomes available. She can be reached at community.service@lehman.cuny.edu.

Last modified: Oct 13, 2011