VERO BEACH — Just hours before a 6.1 magnitude aftershock rippled through Haiti Wednesday morning, Vero Beach Mayor Kevin Sawnick directed city staff to make Vero Beach City Hall not only a drop-off point for supplies, but also a source for information about how to help non-governmental organizations doing work in Haiti.
“I know we have a lot of things going on right here in the city, but the disaster in Haiti is very important,” Sawnick said, adding that the city would place collection boxes at City Hall and find a local organization that can transport the goods collected. “I think every little bit we can do helps.”
Discussion at the evening City Council meeting had revolved around various local issues, but when it came to Sawnick’s items, he felt compelled to expand the scope of the city’s mission — if only temporarily.
Realizing that Vero Beach residents may want to help but not know exactly what to do, Sawnick proposed using the physical and technological resources of the city to make giving easy for local residents.
As soon as the staff can get the information up, there will be a list of needed items on the city’s website www.covb.org and on Channel 13, the City’s public access television outlet. In the meantime, Councilman Brian Heady, who has a family member working on Haiti relief, said that he’s heard that over-the-counter pain medicines are in very short supply.
“They’ve been doing amputations with not so much as an aspirin,” Heady said.
The council clarified that people should not bring any prescription drugs to the City Hall collection point in the lobby.
Vice Mayor Sabin Abell reminded those attending the meeting or watching on television that, as in many situations, a gift of cash is best.
“What they really need is money, so if anyone has any money, they really need that even more than soft goods,” Abell said.
The American Red Cross was suggested as a reputable organization to receive donations.
Sawnick acknowledged that city residents have their own issues and concerns due to the economic situation, but that the local suffering might be put in perspective with the devastation experienced by the Haitian people from the 7.0-magnitude earthquake which hit one week ago.
“I just couldn’t even imagine the things that they’re going through right now,” Sawnick said.
The city’s effort is the latest in drives to help Haitian earthquake victims. Last weekend, a local activist group led by Vero Beach resident Jon Pine collected relief supplies at various drop-off points on the mainland and on the barrier island.
For more information about collection efforts, call the Vero Beach City Hall at (772) 978-4709.
