Haiti Relief Supplies Being Gathered, Packed Up At Port Everglades
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - Relief supplies for Haiti are being sorted and packed at a shipping company at Port Everglades.
It's been four days since a 7.2 earthquake rocked the southwestern areas of that country. Homes and businesses were destroyed and nearly 2,000 people were killed.
Many were left homeless with nowhere to go. Those in the harder hit areas are still waiting for aid, hospitals have been overwhelmed. Relief efforts have been hampered by rain brought by what was then Tropical Depression Grace.
Broward Commissioner Dale Holness made a plea for the supplies earlier this week and the South Florida community did not disappoint.
From pallets of water and food to medical supplies, construction materials, and generators, people and businesses have been donating the much needed items.
Louise Joles, who was born in Haiti, was able to connect with family there.
"They're bad. The house is broken and they're sleeping in a tent and a chair, they don't even have a place to sleep. I called them to see if I have to send money, they tell me to send food. Nobody has food, that's why I'm sending food," said Joles who dropped off rice, beans, and oil.
Shelby Barthalemy also has a connection to the country.
"My family is Haitian. My parents were both born in Haiti. I have family over there. I feel like it's my responsibility," said Barthalemy "We went to Costco the other day and we thought what would people need right now. The necessities. There are kids, they need diapers."
Accordia Shipping CEO Vilguins Louissaint was born in Haiti. His company has been shipping cars to Haiti for three years. He said they're accepting everything because those impacted need everything.
"Anything you can ever take on, we've got medical supplies, you got boxes of medical supplies. We have canned goods. Right now we can take everything people can send. Anything that can help the country right now. We even have mattresses and tents," he said.
On Wednesday, Holness said he's looking to the future of Haiti.
"Rebuild Haiti. We must build and strengthen that nation because that nation has done so much to help us," he said.
Accordia is accepting donations up until 5 p.m. Wednesday. The ship will set sail Thursday morning.
Click here for a list of organizations gathering funds and supplies to help those in need in Haiti.
