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Surrounded by over 70 members of the Elmont Haitian community and a backdrop of the American and Haitian Flag, Assemblyman Tom Alfano, State Senator Dean Skelos, Father Eddie Julien and Haiti Consul General Felix Augustin kicked-off a food drive with Haitian Americans United for Progress (HAUP), Haitian American Family Association of Long Island, local schools and businesses to address the starvation crisis of children in Haiti.

The crisis has caught national attention which Assemblyman Tom Alfano has called "a social justice and human rights tragedy that must be addressed." The press conference was held in Elmont in front of Haitian owned business Big and Tall Clothing. During the conference, Alfano pointed to very poignant photos of children starving in Haiti during the current food crisis. It was those very photos that moved hundreds in Elmont to start the food drive under the direction of Alfano, Skelos, HAUP and HAFALI. "When you look at these photos you know clearly we have to do something. This is about saving children; it's as simple as that," Alfano said.

Father Eddie Julien of St. Boniface Church said a prayer for the children of Haiti who have suffered from the food crisis. As he recited the prayer, he called for the success of the food drive to help the children who are suffering under intolerable conditions.

 

Next, Assemblyman Alfano introduced Consul General Felix Augustin who said, "this food drive is so important to the children of Haiti. I want to thank Assemblyman Tom Alfano, who is a friend of the Haitian people, and Senator Skelos for not just talking about this crisis, but turning words into action. The consulate stands ready to work with the people of Elmont in this cause that will save lives."

"This is a human rights disaster that must be dealt with by the UN and caring nations must get involved with now. We can't let another day go by without getting involved and demanding action," said Assemblyman Tom Alfano

Senator Dean Skelos said, "this is an outstanding show of community support for our Haitian neighbors. I'm proud to not only lend a hand to the food drive, but will continue to work with Assemblyman Alfano, HAUP and HAFALI to make sure this injustice and tragedy is solved. The people who stand here with us today understand that we can't simply wish this to go away. We have to do something and this effort is all about that."

The food drive is a collective effort that will entail food collections in schools, churches and local businesses throughout the area.Joining in the effort are students from Elmont Memorial High School and local elementary and Catholic schools. Additionally, Haitian community leaders like Dr. Max Noel, Kettly Joseph, Serge Clarke, Frantz Simon, Richard DeBrosse, Elsy Mecklembourg Guibert, Magaly Polo, David Duchatellier and Local Cable Television presenter JoJo Allrich have lent their support to the drive.

Assemblyman Alfano also announced that Associated Supermarket, Duch Travel and HAUP on Linden Boulevard will collect food donations along with area schools. "Our prime emphasis in this food collection is to collect the two basic meal staples that are desperately needed- rice and beans. That is what we need the most and I hope that residents will respond with," said Assemblyman Alfano.

Supt. Al Harper was on hand to lend the full support of the Elmont school district in the effort. "Look at the children and lend a hand. This is about our young people and I'm very proud to be a part of this mission."

The food drive received a key boost this morning as Assemblyman Alfano announced that the President of the Haitian Senate, Senator Kely Bastien and Consul General Felix Augustin will be working with the food drive personally and will assist in the distribution of canned and non-perishable foods in villages throughout Haiti.  "Senator Bastien and Consul General Augustin's help and assistance is critical in this effort," said Assemblyman Alfano.

Senate President Bastien is no stranger to the Elmont community as he has held several community meetings with Assemblyman Alfano and Haitian community leaders led by David Duchatellier. "Senator Bastien knows the Elmont community and is directly involved in this effort with us in Haiti. In Elmont we're led by Assemblyman Alfano and Senator Skelos who are strong friends who stand with the Haitian people," Duchatellier stated.

"This is an effort where people are helping people. The Haitian and Caribbean community in Elmont has been deeply moved by this crisis and won't sit idly by and watch children starve. It's efforts like this where we show what a strong, vibrant and caring community Elmont is. I'm proud to help kick-off this effort and am pleased that I was able to enlist the help of our young people at Elmont Memorial High School, Associated Supermarkets and Haitian residents throughout Elmont and North Valley Stream," said Assemblyman Tom Alfano.

Elmont resident David Duchatellier noted that many throughout the country of Haiti live on less than $2 a day. Children are living, according to press reports, on dirt cookies which are made up dirt, shortening, salt and vegetable oil. "We waste so much food in this country. I feel personally obligated to help my fellow Haitians after I see them eat mud cake on TV. This is a way we can actually do something now," said David Duchatellier.

Elmont Memorial High School Senior Class President Ian Feurtado said, "our class couldn't be more proud and honored to take an active role in helping collect food for the children of Haiti. The pictures on TV and news reports are very serious and that's why we have to get involved."

Aubrey Phillips, a member of the Elmont and Sewanhaka School Boards noted "Elmont's children are directly affected by this human tragedy. Our schools and community are host to a growing population students and parents from Haiti and I know first hand how helpless one feels when family and friends are in crisis a world away. This effort empowers our children."

Magaly Polo, a resident of Elmont and Chair of HAFALI, noted, "this effort is critical to the children of Haiti. Every donation counts and will no doubt result in us saving lives."

Elmont Haitian businessman and owner of the OKKK Karate School Sensei Serge Clark said, "my school cares very deeply about children and their development. The children of Haiti are in a desperate time of need and I want to encourage everyone to donate food today."

"As a Haitian American, I am very saddened to hear that in Haiti people are eating mud. For those of us that are living here in a blessed country, we are asking you to open your heart and join us in this food collection effort. Even the smallest donation can make a big difference in the lives of those desperately needy people of Haiti," said activist Frantz Simon.

Elsie Saint Louis Accilien, Chairwoman of Haitian Americans United for Progress said, "I recognize that these are very difficult times everywhere, and that some of the most basic things have unexpectedly become luxuries for many people, especially in Haiti. So much is being done, but in order for the gains not to be lost, your contribution to this campaign will assure that the people living in Haiti, a land that has experienced both political and economic upheaval, will have their present needs met and be more assured of a more positive and productive future."

At the conclusion of the press conference, Alfano, Skelos, Augustin, Haitian residents and Elmont Memorial High School students led by Senior Class President Ian Feurtado walked to Associated Food Market on Linden Boulevard to make the first purchases of rice, beans, cooking oils and canned foods in the food drive effort. "We wanted to lead by example," said Assemblyman Alfano adding, "now it's our hope that people will join us." Senator Skelos said "if everyone gets involved we'll make a big difference for these children."

The canned and non-perishable food drive collection points are Associated Supermarket on Linden Boulevard, Dr. Max Noel's office on Dutch Broadway, OKKK Karate School on Elmont Road, Duch Travel on Linden Boulevard, Assemblyman Alfano's office, HAUP on Linden Boulevard, Elmont Memorial High School, Gotham Avenue, Dutch Broadway, Alden Terrace, Clara Carlson, Covert Avenue and Stewart Manor Schools.

If residents or businesses want to get involved in the community effort, contact Assemblyman Tom Alfano's office at 437-5577 or email him This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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