Special appeal to address needs of Haitian children To Help “Rebuild Schools, Restore Hope”
Governor M. Jodi Rell and the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) today announced a special fund-raising appeal from Connecticut schoolchildren and their parents for Haitian relief efforts that will address the needs of Haitian children.
“The outpouring of concern and willingness of Connecticut citizens to help is very moving,” Governor Rell said. “So many in Connecticut have been profoundly touched by the images of the Haitian children, particularly those who have been orphaned or injured and are asking how they can help. We have a way. My office has worked with Connecticut school officials to establish a charitable campaign for the children of Haiti.
Funds raised will be targeted to help rebuild schools, provide educational supplies as well as medicine and health care for children.
“Thousands of Haitian children are suffering because of the devastating earthquake. Some have lost one or both parents. Many have had their homes and schools destroyed and face an uncertain and terrifying future. Schoolchildren in Connecticut have an opportunity to make a difference by supporting efforts that will help rebuild schools and restore hope for the Haitian children. If we can provide some measure of comfort during this terrifying time in their young lives, we should,” Governor Rell said.
The Governor’s office worked with CAS to set up a special account through the Bank of America in Connecticut to accept monetary donations, checks, cash and even coins. The bank has agreed to sort and roll the coins at no charge.
Checks can be made payable to the “Connecticut Association of Schools” with a notation on the check memo line identifying “Haitian Relief Fund.” Children, their parents and others who want to help this special effort may bring their monetary donation to participating local schools or to a Bank of America branch.
CAS, which represents 1,100 public and private schools, and the Governor’s office have worked together in the past for similar school-wide appeals, including a 2005 campaign to raise funds for school supplies for children affected by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf states.
Hundreds of thousands of children in Haiti had faced dire conditions in the impoverished island nation long before the earthquake. The United Nations estimated there were 380,000 children living in orphanages or group homes, having lost parents to tropical storms and deadly floods over the past decade.
“They desperately need our help more than ever,” Governor Rell said. “Through their tears and cries, they have to know that there is hope, that the world cares.”
