Red Cross collects donations for Haiti

North country residents are emptying their pockets and their veins to help survivors of last month's devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Daniel J. Villa, executive director of the American Red Cross of Northern New York, said monetary donations earmarked for the relief effort in Haiti continue to trickle in to his office. To date, more than $16,000 has either been mailed or dropped off at the agency's Watertown and Potsdam offices.

"I can't begin to tell you how grateful we are for the generous support the north country has shown," Mr. Villa said Friday. "We're just talking about walk-in or mailed donations here."

He said he expects to get a report next week about how much money has come into the national organization from each chapter's area.

"I'm sure we'll be surprised at the generosity the north country has offered there as well," he said.

While not offering specific numbers, Mr. Villa said donors at area blood drives in the past three weeks also have flowed in at an increased pace.

Blood and money are two essentials the Red Cross needs to help the Caribbean nation recover. Canned food or other "hard goods" aren't yet being collected by the organization, but specific items may be requested as the recovery effort continues, Mr. Villa said.

"What's interesting is that we've had a substantial amount of donations come into the chapter this week," he said. "We had two people walk in earlier today with donations. Actually, we've received donations each day this week."

Fresh off a phone call from the national organization updating him on the relief effort, Mr. Villa said the process is progressing.

"In three weeks time, from what the infrastructure was to what it is now is greatly improving. They're able to accept more flights at the airport and there have been significant improvements to the main port," he said. "It's improving on a daily basis."

Donations can be sent to or dropped off at the offices of the American Red Cross of Northern New York, 203 N. Hamilton St., Watertown, NY 13601; or 73 Market St., P.O. Box 627, Potsdam, NY 13676. They also can be made by calling 782-4410.

ON THE NET

Times and locations of upcoming blood drives can be found at: www.redcrossnny.com.