Two days after a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, people throughout the area have jumped into action to try and help those affected in any way possible.
Dr. Daniel Cochi grew up in the island nation and later moved to the United States to pursue a career in medicine. But now all he wants to do is get back to his homeland.
"Different countries are helping -- the Europeans, Canadians and USA -- but being Haitian, you feel obligated that you have to do something," the Elkins Park doctor said.
Like many Haitians, the doctor has tried to charter a flight to the country, but has come up unsuccessful.
Cochi's mother and aunt still live in the Haitian mountains. Thankfully, they were not hurt, but he knows there are plenty others who could benefit from proper medical care.
The Red Cross estimates as many as 50,000 people may have died and hundreds of thousands more were injured when the magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked the nation for almost a minute Tuesday.
So until he can go home, Cochi's collecting medical supplies for the rescue effort.
"It's amazing to see how God is merciful. Somehow, the only structure that remains standing is the airport, so what happens now…all the help can get in the island," he said.
In Philadelphia, Haitian professionals like Yvecar Momperouse and Stephane Jean-Baptiste say they've got the means to get to the nation, but just need money for supplies.
"Eighty thousand dollars is what we need and that's the goal in order to get the plane off the ground and outta here within 24 to 48 hours," Momperouse said.
That plane is coming from Blue Star Jets -- a charter company who offered their services for the trip. In addition to monetary donations, the group also set up several goods drop-off sites throughout the city for items like water, food and baby formula.
Both Momperouse and Jean-Baptiste have family who are missing in the wake of the tragedy and they say they’re getting through it by focusing on the relief effort.
"That sort of grounds us, you know, to know that we're doing something for the cause," said Jean-Baptiste.
That cause is also becoming a learning experience for children who are being exposed to the first major disaster of this new decade.
"I decide for, um, to collect money for them," Anthony Lumma decided after seeing the devastation on the news.
So the 5-year-old Penryn Elementary Student from Fairless Hills wrote a letter to his principal -- with a little help from mom, of course -- asking for the school to collect funds for the people of Haiti.
Principal Liz Morton was happy to oblige by offering students the chance to wear their PJs to school in exchange for a $1 donation for the Red Cross. She suspects her 256 students will be bringing in more than $256.
But are children like Anthony too young to learn the tragedy that is occurring in Haiti? No, says the boy's mom Alissa.
"I think it’s a great opportunity for kids to realize they can make a difference," he said.
You too can make a difference and do your part for the Haitian relief effort. Dozens of national relief organizations are excepting donations and volunteers to help the people of Haiti.
There are also several local non-profits who are organizing efforts throughout the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys.
And doing your part can be as simple as sending a text. You give $10 to the Red Cross' efforts by texting HAITI to 90999. The donation will show on your next cell phone bill and many carriers are allowing you to send those texts free of charge.
In just 48 hours, almost $6 million has been raised by text message, says the State department. I'm sure we can help that number grow.
