MIAMI (WSVN) - The Pembroke Pines Optimist football and cheerleading team is working with the Miami Fire Rescue Department to help thousands in Haiti.
Hurricane Matthew ravaged the island a week ago, leaving millions in need of humanitarian aid and killing at least 1,000.
The team collected medical and food supplies from their neighborhood and delivered it to Notre Dame Catholic Church in Little Haiti, Wednesday morning. “We brought water, we brought canned goods, toiletries. We brought all the things that they can use once it gets there,” said Coach Earl Pope.
Every room and hallway of the church was stacked with rice, other dry goods, clothing, baby supplies and medical supplies. Then the supplies need processing.
The work hasn’t stopped for volunteers, and they, as well as Haiti, need all the help they can get.
“Whatever we could do to help the people of Haiti,” one volunteer said.
“We live a certain way, and they don’t have that, so it’s important to show them and support them through this,” Molly Demarzo said.
Football player Jaheim Williams said Haiti would have done the same thing.
“I know if we had the hurricane they would try to give back to us too,” Williams said.
Maverick Jones, a Pembroke Pines Optimist football player, wants to make a difference. “We just want to help them get through what they are going through and help them live and have a better life,” Jones said.
Many relief agencies are now jumping on board to deliver supplies to those who need it.
At Miami Dade College’s North Campus, students prayed for the people of Haiti.
“The school cares. We care. It matters,” one student said.
Donations were received at Hialeah Fire Station 7.
“Everybody help Haiti’s people,” on donor said.
At the church, organizers said, though they appreciate all donations, they have more water and clothes than they can handle. Dry goods, can goods and medical supplies, except crutches, are needed.
If you’d like to help or donate items to Haiti, go to: wsvn.com/news/local/how-to-help-those-in-haiti-affected-by-hurricane-matthew.
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