Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, Melky Jean with the Carma Foundation, Mayor Manny Diaz, and Eric Knowles with the Dolphin Stadium join members of the Haitian Community to Launch an Effort to Help Hurricane Victims in Haiti. Photo: Jorge R. Perez/City of Miami

(Miami, FL) - City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, District 5, and Mayor Manny Diaz, were joined by representatives from Dolphin Stadium and the Miami Dolphins today to announce the beginning of a joint effort between the City of Miami, Dolphin Stadium, and the Miami Dolphins to assist hurricane victims in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. As they kicked-off this collection for the victims in Haiti, they will also remind Miami residents to be prepared for the possible landfall of Hurricane Ike.

The non-perishable food and clothing drive will kick-off this Sunday, September 7, 2008, at the Miami Dolphin’s football game against the New York Jets at the Dolphin Stadium. Fans attending the game will be encouraged to bring canned goods and clothing and drop them off at collection points located at gates B, D, F, and H.

The food and clothing drive will continue throughout the week of September 8-19. Food and clothing drops will be located at all City of Miami Fire Stations and Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) offices. Residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable items and clothing.

The City of Miami is also partnering with Food for the Poor to distribute the donated non-perishable items. For those who wish to make a monetary contribution should make checks out to Food for the Poor and should include code #SC#057940.For more information, or to send your tax deductible contribution, please call 1-800-487-1158 and reference the special code, or visit www.foodforthepoor.org/relief.  

Haiti has been affected by both Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna over the last two weeks, leaving many residents in dire need of food and emergency assistance. Although the winds have passed, the torrential rains and flooding have not ceased. According to the Haitian government, there are currently 758 victims and that number is steadily increasing. About 6,000 people are in shelters throughout the western and southeastern provinces. Approximately 250 houses are destroyed or damaged.

The City of Miami, Dolphin Stadium, and the Miami Dolphins are committed to assisting Haiti in its relief efforts. For more information, contact the Office of Commissioner Spence-Jones at (305) 250-5390.