Claflin University student athletes prepare to send boxes of clothing and shoes as part of the institution’s multi-faceted effort to assist earthquakes victims in Haiti.

Usually this time of year the television of Claflin University junior Mr. Stacey McAlister would be dialed in to watch his favorite team, the Los Angeles Lakers.  However, the recent devastation in Haiti has caused his viewing habits to change dramatically.

For Mr. McAlister, a forward on the Panther basketball team, the tragedy that has ravaged the Caribbean nation is directly impacting some of his close friends back home in California. 

“I know a few friends that have family over in Haiti.  Some of them don’t even know if their family members are still alive,” he said. 

Mr. McAlister and the entire Claflin University Athletics Department are making a concerted effort to lend a helping hand to Haiti.  The Department is donating clothes and shoes toward the relief effort, in addition to collecting contributions at home games. 

Ms. Faith Simmons, a dual-sport student athlete on the Claflin volleyball and basketball teams, said the student response has been overwhelming. 

“We’ve had students go buy new items just to donate for the relief effort,” Ms. Simmons said.

For each ticket sold at the Panther’s next basketball game at Benedict College, five dollars will go toward the American Red Cross’ Haiti response thanks to a partnership between the two institutions.

“We are all concerned about their well being.  If there is something we can do to help then we absolutely want to do it,” said Mrs. Karen Williams, assistant athletic director.

Across the Claflin campus, various organizations and departments are organizing to raise funds and supplies for victims affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake.  So far, an estimated 200,000 people are dead and more than 2 million have been displaced in Haiti. 

Mrs. Ingrid Watson-Miller, assistant professor of foreign languages, is organizing relief fundraising for the University’s eight Greek organizations.  She noted all fraternities and sororities on campus have exerted considerable energy to garner donations.

“I strongly believe it is imperative to develop a sense of compassion and philanthropy in our student leaders,” Mrs. Watson-Miller said.  “They have responded with an inspiring sense of zeal for the Haitian people.”

The Religion and Philosophy Department’s Chapel Assistance Program is working in conjunction with the Wesley Foundation to take up donations, clothing and supplies as well.

Dr. Daniel Hembree, chair of the department, said that students are not sitting idly by questioning why the cataclysmic event occurred – they are asking what they can do to help.

He said faith plays a role in the compassion of Claflin students.

“Within our faith, we are called to be compassionate toward others.  It is our compassion that prompts us, as it did Jesus, to bring about aid to those who are in distress and overcome by disaster,” Dr. Hembree said.

Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dr. Iris Bomar is also accepting donations from faculty and staff.  Also, each the Student Government Association and each individual class are conducting specific efforts to assist the victims.

Claflin professors and students are also reflecting on the catastrophe in Haiti from an academic standpoint.

For example, recent discussions in Dr. Gloria McCutcheon’s public health course have centered on the relationship between natural disasters, emergency preparedness and public health.  Dr. McCutcheon said students are also studying residual environmental issues that can arise from earthquakes, such as water quality and potential diseases.

“At Claflin, as we share the grief of Haitians, I trust that we are reminded of our Claflin guiding principle ‘Commitment to Valuing People’,” said President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale.  “I believe that it is important that we educate, help raise awareness and build unity in our community regarding this international tragedy.”