Like many others who have seen devastating video footage of the earthquake in Haiti, I wanted to do something to help. It is heartening to learn about local fundraising efforts and even plans to help directly on the ground.

Members of the Harvestime Church in Eau Claire are working hard to assemble a team of doctors and emergency workers to help on the ground as soon as flights to Haiti are possible. The church, which had originally planned to visit an orphanage in Haiti in a few weeks, had to shift their plans because the need for medical care is more urgent than that for the mattresses and chicken they were originally going to provide. If you are a trained doctor or emergency care worker and would like to join, call Kathy Kivlin at 715-858-4490 or visit www.servantsofallministry.org.

DeLong Middle School is sponsoring a couple of events to raise money for Haiti. Students and staff can donate a dollar on January 29, Wear a Hat for Haiti Day, and (you guessed it) wear a hat all day. And an ongoing fundraiser competition between 6th, 7th and 8th graders promises a prize for the grade collecting the most donations – a popcorn and movie party sponsored by the DeLong Student Council.

I only hope that all of the money being raised, supplies being donated and services being offered will make it to those in need as soon as possible.