ATLANTA (Jan. 15, 2010) – Sen. Donzella James (D-College Park) has joined forces with East Point Mayor Earnestine D. Pittman, State Rep. Joe Heckstall (D-East Point) and the Honorable Patsy Jo Hilliard, former mayor of East Point, to encourage schools, businesses and members of the faith community to make generous monetary donations to the citizens of Haiti.
“I encourage everyone in my district to participate in this relief effort,” said Sen. James. “Haiti is facing many days of hardships and they need our help to get through these tough times.”
The 7.0 earthquake rocked Haiti ten miles from the capital of Port-au-Prince leaving death and destruction in its wake. The full impact of the earthquake is yet to be determined. Haiti’s population of 9.6 million people is larger than the San Francisco Bay Area. Half of Haiti’s population is under the age of 21 and the country is severely impoverished. Funds are urgently needed to provide safe water, temporary shelter systems and essential medical supplies.
“The city of East Point’s mayor’s office will be receiving the collected funds, which will then be sent to Sonje Yo, Inc., a human rights non-profit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. The organization is directed by Dr. Esai Ambo, a native of Haiti and Superior Court Ambassador for the Fulton County Superior Court. Sonje Yo, Inc. is coordinating on the ground relief efforts at their second office located in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Collected funds may be brought to the City of East Point’s Mayor’s office, located at 2777 East Point Street, East Point, GA 30344.
Sen. James first visited Haiti with Dr. Ambo in 2008, and has been active with his organization since that time. She also co-hosted the program, “Radio Haitian Voice” for the last two years.
For more information, please contact Sen. James’ office at (404) 914-1285 or email Donzella.James@senate.ga.gov.
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Sen. Donzella James represents the 35th Senate District which includes portions of Douglas and Fulton counties. She may be reached by phone at 404.463.1379 or by e-mail at donzella.james@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 15, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Press Director
Jennifer Kitt, Press Office Coordinator
Jennifer.Kitt@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028