Reading Article
ECHS students heading up Haiti relief
As did millions of Americans, Qua’Darrell Redmond watched the television reports of the devastation caused by earthquake in Haiti. He saw the people who had lost everything they owned.
“I was on the phone with a friend of mine one night and we were both watching the news reports,” Qua’Darrell said. “I saw the devastation in Haiti and thought how fortunate I am to live in a place that’s almost free from disaster. When we did have a disaster, when Hurricane Ivan struck this area, we were able to get food and water because people came to help us.”
It was then that Qua’Darrell, a senior at Escambia County High School, decided he could give something back by helping the people in Haiti.
“With a unified effort, I felt we could make a difference,” he said.
He talked with ECHS Principal Harvey Means about his ideas. When Mr. Means gave his blessing, Qua’Darrell went to the teachers who sponsor clubs and organizations at the school’ they, in turn, went to the student leadership and the idea started growing hands and feet.
Students assisting Qua’Darrell are Amanda Buitron, Future Business Leaders of America; Kristen Gehman, Student Government Association; Meisha Knight, Health Occupation Students of America; Tyler Boatwright, National Honor Society; and Courtney Odom, Relentless. Teacher Barbara Whatley serves as teacher sponsor for the relief effort.
While students are asked to bring in supplies, Qua’Darrell and the relief team are also asking for the community’s help. Any of the following items may be dropped off at Escambia County High School:
wash cloths (not hand towels); large hair combs; bar of 2-ounce or larger bath soap (in unopened packages); regular size Band-Aids (in unopened packages, not variety sizes); gallon-size Ziploc bags (in unopened packages); adult size toothbrushes (in opened packages); feminine products (in unopened packages).
Students will collect items until February 19.
Qua’Darrell plans to turn the items over to one of the other local efforts, such as the United Methodist Church, to include with their shipment. Monetary donations will be turned over to Atmore Concerned Citizens to be given to the Red Cross.
For more information, call the school at 368-9181; or Barbara Whatley, 251-359-1034; or Qua’Darrell Redmond, 251-368-6040.
Pictured above, the ECHS relief team, from left, bottom, Meisha Knight, Barbara Whatley, Qua’Darrell Redmond; middle, Courtney Odom, Kristen Gehman; top, Amanda Buitron, Tyler Boatwright.
Pictured at top, Qua’Darrell Redmond
Popularity: 1% [?]