By Katie Holland

Staff Writer

Standing around and doing nothing is just not an option for a group of Sampson County residents. The group, which consists of medical officials, clergy and others, just won’t let anything stop them from helping the earthquake-stricken nation, Haiti.

The country which was toppled, literally, by an earthquake on Jan. 12 has been dealing with as many as 200,000 deceased and many more who are displaced and without food or even clean water. Hearing this, many from right here in Sampson County have taken it upon themselves to do something about this.

Noel Thompson, a Clinton resident and international transport coordinator, stated that there is a plan to send as many as 60 people from this community to Haiti, many of whom are physicians and or clergy. In addition, the group going will be taken a vast supply of medicine and supplies, if things go as planned.

“From my knowledge, this is the largest medical team to go,” said Thompson, with plans to hope and treat as many as 1,000 people a day, if all come along to help.

However, before they lift off into private jets to the impoverished nation, they are still hoping that they can bring along some more supplies to those in desperate need of aid.

So, the group is having a drive to help collect some needed items. One such drive will be at Hobbs Warehouse on Pugh Road on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and another will be on Sunday, Feb. 7, from 2-4 p.m. as well at the same location.

“We will collect anything people would like to donate; clothes, shoes, nonperishable items,” said Thompson. Also, she noted, tents would be greatly welcomed by the group.

In addition to help make this mission trip a reality, the group is also holding a fund-raising on Feb. 19 at Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center at 6 p.m. which will include a steak dinner and gospel music for entertainment. Those interested in buying tickets can call the Clinton Pentecostal Church at 592-3624.

All of this effort is going to help provide as much help as possible to the impoverished nation.

Dr. Larry Watts, who is coordinating this trip, stated help is needed now more than ever.

“There are still people there who have not been seen,” said Dr. Watts, noting how many need medical attention, but there is no one there to help them.

“They have a mercy ship there, but that can only help so many people,” said Dr. Watts.

Now, they are not insisting that people go out and buy new things. In fact, Thompson pointed out that some have been quite nifty at trying to turn items into things that can really help the people. For example, she stated, some have torn sheets apart and used them for bandages and sun dresses for children have been made from pillow cases.

“This is just a sample of what people are doing to help,” said Thompson.

While the plan is to send 60 people, the group is still hoping to get more people willing to donate a couple more private jets to make this possible. If not, the only people who will be going will be medical help.

The trip, which is planned as a community organized event, also has the backing several churches in town, including Clinton Pentecostal Holiness Church, who are also doing fund-raising for Haiti and this medical mission trip.

In addition, Dr. Watts stated, this helps bring unity to the community, which he feels is “such an important thing.”

Also, Dr. Watts emphasized that this is not a free trip for those going. The cost per person is approximately $1250, but most, he stressed are receiving funding from their home church.

The most important thing, Dr. Watts noted is going to help the people in the nation.

For those who question the motivation, since so many in the United States have experienced disasters as well, Dr. Watts noted, “We have nothing compared to that except in some isolated circumstances.”

In addition, he pointed out that it truly is the Christian thing to do, helping our fellow man, by attempting to be “Christ-like.”

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.