EDITORIAL NOTE: A few weeks ago, immediately after news of the earthquake, I posted a roundup of various ways to contribute financially to some of the prominent causes and relief organizations. Those things are certainly still viable and you can find them here. The following post offers more local means of helping.
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It has been three weeks since Haiti was tragically struck by that terrible earthquake. Celebrities have raised money and awareness, organizations have worked tirelessly, people have given their resources generously, and churches have trafficked children (alright, bad joke…maybe). However, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, and some of it is being done by Central Arkansans.
Local businesses M2 Gallery, Capi’s Restaurant and others have organized Relief on the Ridge: A Benefit for the Red Cross Haiti Fund. The event is Thursday, February 4th from 6:00PM-9:00PM at the Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center. (Map here.) Live bands, great food, silent auctions, important cause.
Also, a friend of some Eikon folks, Thomas Hudson, is currently on his second trip to Jacmel, Haiti to help with cleanup, volunteer organizing and every other thing he can possibly do until he wears himself completely out. Thomas helped collect crucial medicines, tents and countless other supplies, loaded them on a boat in Miami and set sail for Haiti on Saturday. His last Facebook status writes: “We are MILES out at sea, and I still have cell service!!! Due to reports of piracy at sea between Haiti and Cuba, we are sailing around the DR to Jacmel (Haiti).”
He is prepared to stay down there for a while and even make more trips over the coming weeks and months, but he is doing it at his own expense. The bottom line is the more money he can raise, the more trips he can make. He and his team are literally performing life-saving work. Eikon is going to make a significant gift (well, for our little church anyway), but we want to invite you to contribute as well. If you want to contribute through Eikon, simply write a check to Eikon Church and in the memo line put Thomas Hudson – Haiti. *100%* of those funds will go to this specific cause. Mail the check to:
Eikon Church
2501 Kavanaugh Blvd, Unit B
Little Rock, AR 72205
Please let me know ASAP at john@eikonthechurch.com the amount you would like to contribute. Eikon will cover the cost of those contributions until your check arrives. This is truly a great chance to serve.