Haiti Relief

Tuesday, 02 February 2010 14:11

Over $206,000 raised in Diocese    LAKE CHARLES – The special collection called for by Bishop Glen John Provost to provide financial aid for the needy survivors of the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti has raised more than $206,000.       The unofficial total, which is expected to increase as more contributions arrive, was $206,059.34, as of Monday, Feb. 1. The funds came from the parishes and schools of the Diocese of Lake Charles along with individual generous contributors who sent money directly to the Diocese. Several of the Catholic schools will hold collections in February.    Rev. V. Wayne LeBleu, Secretary for the Ministry of Pastoral Services and Director of Catholic Relief Services in the Diocese noted, “Our prayers and support go out to the people of Haiti and those who are working to alleviate the suffering and poverty of so many who were affected by the events of January 12 and the aftershocks of the earthquake.    “I am grateful for the outpouring of generosity from the people of God from the Diocese of Lake Charles for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti,” he continued. “We have been shown such support from the Church of the United States after the recent hurricanes and this is our way to show that we too are able to extend a helping hand to those who have been affected by a natural disaster.”    Contributions to this effort will be sent directly to Catholic Relief Services, the official humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic Church. If you have not had the opportunity to make a contribution to this effort or if you wish to make an additional donation, there are several ways to do so.    You may mail your gift to the Diocese of Lake Charles, P.O. Box 3223, Lake Charles, LA 70602-3223 or drop it off at the Diocesan Chancery, 414 Iris Street, Lake Charles. In either case, a check should be made payable to the Diocese of Lake Charles with Earthquake Relief noted in the memo portion of the check.    Donors might also go the diocesan website – lcdiocese.org – and click on the story Haiti Earthquake Relief Still Needed. From within the story you can go to a secure Catholic Relief Services website and make your contribution using a credit card.    Contributions of food, including non-perishable items such as dried beans and peas, rice, cooking oil and the like can be made to Friend Ships, 1019 N. First Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70601 or call 337-433-5022. This group has already seen one of its ships sail for Haiti and is now working to fill another vessel that will go to help the victims of the devastating earthquake.    Immaculate Conception Cathedral School is hosting a service project today for victims. Students were encouraged to wear “A Hat for Haiti”. They’ll contribute a dollar and bring a personal hygiene product, such as soap, shampoo or a toothbrush. The money and items will be given to Friend Ships to support their relief efforts in Haiti.    Sacred Heart/St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School used three “Free Dress Days” to raise more than $900 and the school’s student council is organizing a campaign to continue Haiti relief throughout the year.   At St. Theodore’s Holy Family Catholic School students rallied to raise $600, which was matched by Blue Cross Blue Shield for a $1,200 total for relief efforts. These funds were sent to the Red Cross.     Our Lady's School in Sulphur raised awareness for the plight of Haitian families by collecting money as well as health packages for the survivors.