Pocono News Section

Williamsport Charity Helping Dominican Republic

Williamsport Charity Helping Dominican Republic - Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 6:51PM EST

Reported by: Lorena Beniquez
Thursday, Nov 15, 2007 @06:51pm EST

WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY - Williamsport is thousands of miles away from the Dominican Republic, but a disaster there is still hitting home here. A charity group called A.C.E.S. (Advancing Communties: Educating and Serving) is sending mattresses and medical equipment to the hurricane ravaged country. Linell Stabler heads A.C.E.S. and said, "There are more than 67,000 people still not in their homes after two and half weeks. There are over 100 villages that are cut off. The roads have been washed away. They don't know how some of these villagers have fared."

Even before hurricane Noel hit, there was a mattress shortage because the country is impoverished. Many of the mattresses will go to hospitals and others to homes. Stabler said, "When someone has to go for some illness, they get put on the floor or just a mattress."

Stabler is getting a helping hand from the American Rescue Workers. They donated medical to help with the diseases that follow natural disasters. Colonel Sam Astin with American Rescue Workers in Williamsport said, "I had an overabundance and I still do to this day. So if there is a need locally, we can provide that need."

Donations, and some of Stabler's own money, will pay the more than five thousand dollars in shipping costs. Another shipment is scheduled in February.

If you are interested in helping A.C.E.S.’s cause, you can visit their website at www.acesnorthamerica.com.