Helping Haiti from L.I.

As Haiti struggles to dig out of the rubble caused by last week's devastating earthquake, Long Islanders are doing their part to donate money and supplies to the region.

"Though the devastation has occurred over 1,500 miles away, the prayers of everyone — throughout this country, throughout this nation, throughout this world — we understand their pain," said Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead), whose district encompasses a large Haitian community, including Baldwin.

At a Jan. 16 press conference in Roosevelt, Abrahams and local Haitian community leaders vowed to provide assistance to the nation, where as many as 200,000 people are feared dead.

"I truly believe and thank the will and testament and the ability of the folks that are enduring and not able to get any responses from the folks that are in Haiti right now," Abrahams said. "My thoughts and prayers are with you. We wish you success throughout this endeavor and we hope you persevere through this tremendous hardship."

Abrahams announced a half dozen drop-off points where residents can bring nonperishable items to donate for the Haiti relief effort, including: 1 West Street in Mineola, Eglise Pentecotiste de la Croisade Evangelique des Pecheurs D’Hommes Church in Roosevelt, Giggles Comedy Club in Hempstead, Claudy's Beauty Supply in Uniondale, and One Offering Tabernacle Church in Hempstead. Town of North Hempstead Parks are also taking donations.

The Rev. Preston Drinks of Second Baptist Church in Baldwin said his congregation includes 15 to 20 families of Haitian descent. Many of them, he said, have relatives they are still trying to contact. Drinks said the church is working to help those families reach their relatives and then analyzing how best to assist the people in Haiti.

Drinks, while acknowledging quake's devastating toll on Haiti, said he hopes the tragedy will bring greater attention to the region. "Good will come out of even tragedy," he said. "I think we were somewhat aware, but not really aware, of just how impoverished the country really was."

Sam Kille, director of public relations for the American Red Cross in Nassau County, said that as of Monday morning, over $90 million had been donated to Haiti from the American public. He urged people to donate $10 to the American Red Cross by texting "HAITI" to the number "90999." The $10 is added to that month's phone bill.

"It's the simplest thing anyone can do," Kille said.

Kille explained that the recovery effort in Haiti will be extensive operation, as people will need the infrastructure rebuilt and running water restored.

"Long after the news cameras stop rolling and showing us the images in Haiti, we have to remember that these people are still need," Kille said. "It's going to be a long process."