When news of Haiti’s devastating earthquake arrived in Lake Orion, it didn’t residents, businesses, churches, schools and others long to kick a plan into action.
‘When someone is in need, we’re all in need,? said Vicki Walter of Good Sheppard Lutheran Church in Lake Orion, where donations are being collected through Jan. 27 for shipment to Haiti. ‘We want to help; we want to spread Christ’s love throughout the world.?
The church is collecting bottled water, dried food, medical supplies, blankets and other necessities (with the exception of clothing), which will be funneled into a widespread collection by Lutheran World Relief and shipped to Florida.
From there, Walter said, the goods will be shipped to an alternate port in Haiti so it doesn’t get stuck at the main port where there’s currently a backup of incoming relief and rescue workers.
‘We’re also collecting money to send financial assistance,? she said. ‘At fist they said ‘don’t send goods, just money? but now they’re asking for everything.?
Some 200,000 in the country are feared dead, many’including a number of Americans’are still missing.
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake was the strongest to shake the country in over 200 years, and, according to reports, the country is suffering widespread damage, with a majority of buildings collapsing as a result of shoddy construction.
At Hollywood Market in Lake Orion, as well as other Hollywood stores across Oakland County, employees are collecting cash donations for the stricken country.
‘Because of the economy, we’re not coming right out and asking people,? said Jeff Kilgo, the store’s assistant manager. ‘But we’ve got signs on the door and signs by each register. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the customers.?
Employee Jamie Tanis said the store has a reputation among its customers for getting involved.
‘Even before we started, people were coming in and asking if we were going to collect money (for Haiti),? she said. ‘I’ve had quite a few donations already.?
The Lake Orion Rotary is also getting involved, and is accepting donations made out to ShelterboxUSA.
ShelterBox, a Rotary charity, is sending disaster relief in the form of a ‘big green box,? said Rotarian Peggy Bartz. Each box contains tents, cooking equipment, sleeping bags, blankets and tools intended to support a family of ten.

Good Shepherd will accept canned food, water, and hygiene products between January 18 and 26for shipment to Haiti.
Donations can be dropped off between the hours of 8 am and 4 p.m. Monday – Friday; call 248-391-1170 for weekend hours.?
Good Shepherd is located at 1950 S. Baldwin Road.
Hollywood Market is located at 1101 S. Lapeer Road. Call the store at 248-814-8300.
For more information about ShelterBox, contact Peggy Barry Bartz @aroseintheroad.com. Donations can be sent to Lake Orion Sunrise Rotary , P.O. Box 701 Lake Orion, MI 48362