CSS responds to Haitian Humanitarian Crisis

 

As the tragedy in Haiti unfolds before us and the full extent of the damage and human suffering created by this deadly mixture of extreme poverty, political neglect, environmental degradation, socioeconomic inequity, and natural disasters becomes apparent, our humanistic values require us to react and help.

 

The moral fiber of a community is in part defined by our generosity, and how we act when confronting adversity. Mired in our own economic depression, it is of course more difficult for us to give now than at any other time in our recent history. But I think it is important we remind ourselves that despite our current economic suffering, the Haitian people are suffering a devastation unlike anything that we have ever experienced, probably in our collective history. We can and should help. Let us join the millions of human beings showing solidarity with those suffering in Haiti.

 

I am proud that the CSS Student Government immediately took it upon itself to plan several fundraising activities to support the emergency assistance and reconstruction efforts. Likewise,we are calling on parents to support our community efforts in support of Haiti. Assistance agencies are requesting cash donations, over goods (e.g. clothes, canned foods, medicines, etc.) which  are difficult to transport and limit the emergency assistance agencies more flexibility in providing support of the kind that is actually needed. Please feel free to make checks or cash donations directly to CSS (please write on the fund - CSS Haitian relief). Alternatively the DOE, the Red Cross and the City have set up donations account protocols (see www.schools.nyc.gov) on their websites.

 

May our help assist Haitian children survive through this crisis and renew the hope they will so desperately need in the coming months and years.