Pocono News Section

Many Collections Being Taken for Haiti Earthquake Victims

Many Collections Being Taken for Haiti Earthquake Victims - Friday, January 15, 2010 at 4:31PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 @ 04:31pm EST
DICKSON CITY, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Many people across northeastern and central Pennsylvania are still looking for ways to help the earthquake victims in Haiti. We found at least three different ways to help Friday in Lackawanna County.

Helping the earthquake victims is now as easy a checking-out at the supermarket. Wegman's is now asking its shoppers to donate to disaster relief efforts.

"I didn't know they were doing it but I've been looking for something to do to kinda help. I know the Red Cross is doing a lot, so I called there. I just feel bad," Meghan Livingston of Olyphant said.

"It's a tragedy. It really is and we're so lucky to be living in America," Ronald Dombroski of Carbondale said.

Until January 23rd, Wegman's will be collecting money for the International American Red Cross Fund.

"Last night alone, when it first started, from what I understand, in the first ten minutes, we had over $20," Mary Colombo said. Colombo is a Service Team Leader for Wegman's.

At Marywood University, people can donate toiletries, medical supplies and non-perishable items for the earthquake victims. Boxes are set up in the university's liberal arts center.

This weekend, the Diocese of Scranton will also take up a special collection for the victims. All of the money raised will go to the Catholic Relief Services.

"They need all the help that they can get," Bishop Emeritus James Timlin said.

Bishop Timlin led a missionary trip to Haiti in 2000. He says the people there didn't have much money, but had a kind spirit and now need our prayers and donations.

"They're going to need a lot of help for a long time, as I said, they needed help before. If there's anything good about this -- and there's not much good about it -- it will attract a great deal of attention," Bishop Timlin said.