Miami Dade College Organizes Successful Food and Clothing Drive for Recent Storm Victims
North Campus facilities management staff sort items received from MDC’s campuswide collection held earlier this month.
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Miami, September 25, 2008 - For the second time since the beginning of hurricane season 2008, Miami Dade College (MDC) faculty, staff and students have come together to offer hope for the victims of natural disasters. MDC’s recent relief effort to benefit the Caribbean began Monday, Sept. 15, and ended last Friday. The College’s eight campuses collected 136 bags of clothing, 84 boxes of food, 16 cases of water, and numerous other supplies.
“On Sept. 24, Facilities Management delivered 23 pallets of donated supplies to the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in Miami,” said Scott Burnotes, MDC’s director of emergency preparedness. “The campuses collected so many goods that the facilities team had to make two trips.”
Many MDC students who donated food and clothing are now volunteering their time to the relief effort by assisting the Daughters of Charity with the sorting and repacking process.
“Tragedy reminds us that we are one people on this Earth. Despite all manner of differences, when people are in need, we are obligated to lend our support,” said MDC President Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón. “The faculty, staff and students of Miami Dade College are honored to contribute food and clothing in support of our neighbors in the Caribbean. We hope that our contributions can bring a measure of solace to those affected by the recent storms.”
In June, MDC mobilized a food drive for Haiti in response to the country’s food shortage and soaring prices. Nearly 140 large boxes of relief supplies were collected and shipped in that effort.
About The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul:
Founded in 1633 by Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, the Daughters of Charity are an international community of women dedicated to serving the poor. As a Roman Catholic Society of Apostolic Life, Daughters of Charity help to educate, to heal and work for systemic change.
Links: Hijas de la Caridad de San Vicente de Paul
http://www.gate.net/%7Ecaridad/index.htm
Media-only contacts:
Juan Mendieta, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu, MDC communications director
Tarnell Carroll, 305-237-3359, tcarroll@mdc.edu, media specialist
Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu, media specialist