Moment of Silence and Prayer for Hurricane Victims

-MEDIA ALERT-

WHAT:	Hundreds expected for a moment of silence & prayer for hurricane victims
WHERE:	In front of Food For The Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek
WHEN:	Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.

Coconut Creek, Fla. (September 16, 2008) – On the anniversary of one of the deadliest storms to hit Haiti, hundreds of Food For The Poor employees will gather outside the nonprofit agency’s Coconut Creek offices to remember storm victims in the Caribbean and to pray for those on the Gulf Coast affected by Ike.

On September 17, 2004, Tropical Storm Jeanne slammed into Haiti, killing more than 3,000 people in Gonaives and leaving hundreds of thousands there homeless. Immediately following Jeanne, Food For The Poor was one of the first relief agencies on the ground in Haiti bringing food, water, medicine, and hope to the devastated island nation.

Now, years later, Food For The Poor is once more rushing aid to storm weary victims in the Caribbean. Four storms this year – Fay, Gustav, Hanna, and Ike –have killed hundreds and left much of Haiti in ruins. Again, Gonaives was hit particularly hard and again Food For The Poor was among the first to respond with help.

“Through the generosity of our donors we are able to help satisfy the physical needs of those who have lost so much,” said Food For The Poor Executive Director Angel Aloma. “On Wednesday, through the power of prayer, we will help fulfill their spiritual needs.”

Since the beginning of September, Food For The Poor has sent more than 60 shipments of food, water, clothing, medical supplies, building supplies, household items, and more to help storm survivors in Haiti. Food For The Poor is also sending relief supplies to the storm-ravaged Caribbean countries of Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the Turks and Caicos. The nonprofit agency says additional shipments will continue as long as the needs exist.

To help victims of these devastating storms, call 1-800-487-1158.

Food For The Poor is the second-largest international relief and development organization in the nation. More than 96% of all donations received go directly to programs that help the poor. Food For The Poor provides nourishing food, safe shelter, necessary medical care, educational materials, support for orphans and the aged, and much more to the poorest of the poor in 16 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

MEDIA NOTE: Video / photo / interview opportunity from approximately 10:00 – 10:20 a.m. on the sidewalk in front of the Food For The Poor offices on Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

Contact:
Hugh Graf
(954) 427-2222 x 6610