SYRACUSE -- There is a push underway locally to help the victims of Haiti's devastating earthquake. It was one of the worst natural disasters in recorded history, shattering an entire country and taking countless lives. Months later, the devastation remains.
Now, the Salvation Army of Syracuse is coming together to help those in need. But they can't do it alone. The plan is to recruit some 2,500 volunteers, working in three hour shifts to pack 500,000 meals. The small bag of food contains rice, soy protein, freeze-dried vegetables and 21 vitamins and minerals. It will feed a family of five. Volunteers will pack the food at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse on May 1st, then ship it off to Haiti to feed those who need it most.
"I think certainly people have put Haiti in the back of their mind so I think that will be certainly a challenge," said Major Eunice Champlin of the Salvation Army.
There was a big push to help the Haiti victims right after the disaster, with food drives and telethons like the one put on by CNY Central. But with coverage fading as time has gone by, will Central New Yorkers step up again to give back? "I have been awe-inspired," said Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. "Time after time, I've asked people to come out and help people no matter where they are in the world and Central New York has stepped up."
And with some 500-700 volunteers already signed up, they're confident Central New Yorkers will come forward to help and meet that goal of 2,500 volunteers. "Every time there's a need and the need is made known to this community, I see this community stepping forward and doing everything they possibly can," Champlin said.
It's something simple, just a few hours out of your day and a way you can give back and make a lasting impact on the lives of so many others.
Here's how you can get involved: On Friday April 30, there will be locations for unloading the trucks and setting up the Oncenter for Saturday's event. Then on Saturday May 1, food packers will work in three hour shifts from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
To register as a volunteer call the Salvation Army at 479-1321.
