In response to the earthquake, Claudinette Jean, like so many, did not waste any time wondering how to immediately assist the people of Haiti. Instead, she converted her storefront in South Orange, N.J., into a receiving site for Yéle Haiti donations.
Back from her trip and moved by what she saw two days after the earthquake, Claudinette returned to South Orange more determined and transformed. She rolled up her sleeves and did not hesitate to call for help. Yéle Haiti volunteers showed up in dozens helping to collect water, food, clothing, shoes, shelters and medical supplies!
On March 14, she landed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and participated in our Yéle Dlo water and food distribution in Léogâne and Gressier. The main purpose of her trip this time was to distribute the goods collected in South Orange to thousands of women, children and elderly people. The following day, accompanied by volunteers and the Yéle Haiti team, Claudinette made her first distribution from a 40-foot container in a tent encampment called La Rivière Grise.
On March 16, the second container was distributed in a tent encampment in Mais Gate, Tabarre, this time with the help of some New York Jets players. The communities where the distributions were held were pleased to receive those essential goods. Later that day, a second distribution happened in La Falaise, Croix-des-Bouquets. Care packages packed by Yéle volunteers in Miami, which included basic hygiene products such as toothpaste, soap, deodorant, diapers and feminine products, were distributed to hundreds of people. Smiles and applause were signs of gratitude and hope!
Thanks to our volunteers in both New Jersey and Miami, and most of all thanks to Claudinette Jean for her determination and dedication in giving back to her country, reaching approximately 5,000 people! She inspired and led us by EXAMPLE! You can make a difference too! If you want to volunteer and help us collect more goods, please contact us at [email protected] by putting on the subject line: Volunteer in South Orange, NJ or by calling 1-973-378-3330
