Almost a month after the devastating earthquake struck the already destitute country, AHS students, teachers and members of the community are reaching out to help the victims in Haiti.

“My family donated some money to help the people of Haiti,” said freshman Karina Lopo. While Peace Corps, communication companies, the U.N., and other organizations are also raising funds to forward to Haiti, concerned students and teachers are outlining several plans to initiate soon.

“I have two students who proposed the ideas of making wristbands and carrying out performances like a benefit concert to raise funds,” said Katie Gould, a psychology teacher at AHS and one of the many who are concerned about the situation.
Ideas for buttressing the Haitians are being continuously contributed by students and teachers. Yet, the multiple steps involved in accomplishing the plans are likely to cause delays.
“The plans need to be approved by the county before it can be carried out,” said Gould, “So we are still working and waiting for the next step.”

Despite the complex steps ahead, there seems to be a hope on the horizon. “A lot of teachers and students are willing to help out,” said Gould.

During the upcoming event Heritage Night, the sponsor of the program and an ESOL teacher Georgiana Tomisato and some of her students are planning on asking for contributions from the audience.
“Since it is time-consuming to get the county’s approval for our separate fund-raising activity, we are going to ask for a dollar donation at the ticket sales table,” said Tomisato.

Many AHS students have become involved in humanitarian efforts through various church groups. Some are organizing fundraisers and are even sending volunteers over to Haiti to help.
“My church is going down to Haiti to build a Village of Hope,” said sophomore Rachel Qualley. “We had financed the building of a school but it fell down so members are going to rebuild it.”

Fellow sophomore Arthur McCafferty is also getting involved. “I am going to Haiti with my church to build homes. I will feel accomplished after I do this because it’s important to help them, because they are less fortunate.”

Although it is difficult to initiate activities on school grounds, students are teaming up in social utilities, such as Facebook and SocialVibe, to support the victims.
Senior Ha Tang, perturbed by the massive casualties and destruction, decided to support the cause supporting Haitian victims.

“The [SocialVibe] users can help out the cause whenever they earn points,” explained Tang.

As users complete each activity, they are given more points. The website recently announced that a unit of medical supplies will be sent directly to the disaster victims.
“Moreover, the users can also earn small rewards, such as bracelet, sticker, and other toys,” said Tang.

The rewards seemed to show effective results as more users have become determined to help and also receive small gift items.

Members of the community are also reaching out. On Tuesday, January 13, Virginia Task Force 1 deployed to help with rescue efforts. The following day, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Urban Search and Rescue also left to help out in Haiti. According to their website, they planned on working with other rescue teams that were assisting in rescue missions. The teams helped to save the lives of many people stuck in the rubble.

The earthquake in Haiti was even more devastating to the island nation because the country was already in bad condition. The majority of the people live in impoverished conditions because of the overwhelming economic problems. Due to its spot in the ocean, it is a frequent target of tropical storms and hurricanes. According to the BBC, Haiti is even more prone to flooding now because of the deforestation. Other then the economic and environmental problems that plague Haiti, the country has also had a history of political instability.

Despite the hardships Haiti faces, AHS students and teachers are doing their part to help, because a little bit of help goes a long way.