Darlington answers call to aid earthquake victims

DARLINGTON - Since a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Jan.12, people around the world have come forward to lend support to the victims, and residents in Darlington County have stepped up to the plate as well.

Brandy Cheeseboro, a cosmetologist in Darlington, joined hands with the Salvation Army of the Pee Dee to assist victims of the earthquake. Cheeseboro, a stylist at Gloria’s Shear Essence in Darlington, said she was moved to take action after watching a broadcast of the devastation on the news.

“As I watched an 18-month-old girl crying who had been stuck in the rocks for more than two days, it made me think of my own son Ashtian who is only 20- months-old,” she said. “I just don’t know what I would have done if that had been my child, so I want to do anything I can do to help the survivors and their families.”

Major Cape Grice of the Salvation Army of the Pee Dee said they are glad to be working with the citizens of Darlington County on this project.

“There are a lot of people in need and everybody has a responsibility to help,” Grice said.

Doctors, nurses or people with certified medical training are needed to volunteer to travel to Haiti to assist with victims of the earthquake. If interested, call Grice at (843) 662-4461.

He said that the Salvation Army has already sent $2 million to Haiti. Fortunately, the hospitals, clinics and schools operated by the group in Haiti were not destroyed in the earthquake, Grice added.

Darlington Mayor Tony Watkins applauded Cheeseboro for organizing the drive in Darlington.

“I think it’s appropriate for the citizens of Darlington to open their hearts and their pocket books to help this country in need,” the mayor said.

Watkins added that Haiti was a poor county with a weak government even before the earthquake, and now they are in dire straits.

“The buildings along with the entire government have collapsed and they are practically without any resources,” Watkins said. He said he and his family will also be making some type of contribution to the drive.

Cheeseboro is asking for donations of new or gently used clothing for men, women and children; sheets; towels; shoes; and blankets. Monetary donations made out to The Salvation Army for Haiti will also be accepted in the form of cash, checks or money orders.

Darlington City Council Member Gloria Hines said she will also assist by making a donation and helping to collect needed items.

“I think this is a wonderful thing that my daughter is doing, and we should all help. As God’s people it’s our duty to help all people in need,” Hines said.

Bishop Julius N. Parrott, Sr., pastor of St. Jude Greater Highway Church of Christ in Darlington, and his congregation are busy collecting clothing and shoes to take to the drop off site, the Gloria Shear Essence building, 901 S. Main St.

“What happened in Haiti could have happened to us, so now it is our duty to be our brother’s keepers and do everything we can to assist them,” Parrott said.

The drop off site will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday throughout the month of February.

Info: Brandy Cheeseboro at (678) 516-4136 or (843) 393-8964 or Sheila Allen at (843) 229-4528.