CROMWELL, CT (February 1, 2010) – Teenagers at the Covenant Children’s Home of Cromwell are getting a chance to learn about Haiti as they contribute to the relief efforts.
The home is a state-of-the-art residential treatment center, special education school, and family treatment center. So far, the students have raised roughly $1,000, says Joanne White, director of human resources.
On Thursday, the students, who are ages 13-17, ate a Haitian lunch. The food service team prepared a meal that included fish stew, cubed fried pork dish, corn fritters, garlic-onion carrots, beans and rice, and a side salad.
Normally the meal is free, but students were eager to use their allowance or activity money to give a suggested donation of $2 per meal at the Help for Haiti Lunch and Bake Sale, says White.
Students in the culinary arts program made baked goods, and staff brought other treats for the bake sale held after lunch. Funds raised from the event will be given to Haiti via Covenant World Relief. Students also put together and sold Valentine gift bags.
Earlier in the week on January 18, some of the residents decorated “Help for Haiti” donation boxes that were placed in the front lobby of the Unity Center and placed at the entrances at the entrances to the Learning Center and the Family Treatment Center. Employees filled the boxes with basic items that that included soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary pads, diapers, baby wipes, and hand sanitizers.
Residents said they were excited to help and included messages for the Haitian children:
“Dear Haiti, I’m really sorry about what happened, and I hope all of you stay strong. When I write this note, it’s coming from my heart. I hope you can fix all your houses. Love, Aaron.”
“I felt happy that I did something. JT”
“I feel it is terrible they had to go through that earthquake. It felt good to help. Felix”
Students put together and sold Valentine gift bags for proceeds going to Haiti.
“I’m glad that people in Haiti are getting what they need. It made me feel okay. JG”
“Dear Haiti, I’m glad I could help. Sometimes it feels better helping another than thinking about yourselves. They reached out their hands in need, and we are doing our best to try to help. Sincerely, Josh.”
“Helping Haiti made me feel like I was doing something right…like I was part of something where everyone was united…helping with something they believed in.”
“Dear Haiti, I hope you guys get better, and I am very sorry for what happened. I hope you guys keep on doing what you are doing and that millions of people help you every day. I hope you guys are doing good.”
White says she believes the students have been especially motivated to help during the crisis because of a personal connection. The family of one staff member lives in Port-au-Prince.
The employee learned this past weekend that an aunt and her children were alive. However, she still has heard no news about her father, grandmother, or uncle.
“The staff member was in tears when she found out what the staff and kids and the agency were doing for Haiti,” White said.
The Children’s Home of Cromwell, which has been in existence since 1900, and The Children’s Home Community Services are affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church through Covenant Ministries of Benevolence.
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