FAMU President James H. Ammons has formed a Haiti Relief Planning Committee to coordinate the university’s effort to provide assistance to Haiti and to FAMU students, faculty and staff whose families were impacted by the disaster.FAMU will focus on supporting indigenous organizations or those with a local presence such as Doctors Without Borders.
Ammons has asked that the committee ensure that the money donated for this relief effort aid those who are truly in need and provide necessities and medical supplies for the victims.
“As an institution of higher learning with “Excellence with Caring” as our motto, we cannot sit idly by while our neighbors are suffering,” said Ammons. “We must assist in the humanitarian effort and also make sure that we have systems in place to meet the needs of our students, faculty and staff who may be affected in some way by the disaster.”
Individuals interested in supporting FAMU's disaster support effort can text the word “Relief” to 50555 to make a $5 donation to the FAMU-Haiti Relief Fund. This process can be repeated up to five times. Standard text messaging rates apply.
FAMU is accepting supplies to help in the immediate relief efforts. The university will accept the following items:
Blankets
Towels, Washcloths and Toothbrushes
Hygiene Products (soap, toothpaste, feminine products, alcohol swabs, diapers, etc.)
First Aid Kits (self contained)
Antibiotics (ointment)
Medical Supplies (bandages, gauze, peroxide, etc.)
Bug Spray
Flashlights and Batteries
Detergent
Toilet Paper
The Office of Student Activities has established several drop-off centers across campus to collect the items. FAMU is also setting up a Call Center, located in the William Gray Center, to give students the opportunity use the telephone or computer to make contact with their families. University officials expect the center to open for business beginning Tuesday afternoon, January 19, 2010.