Lakewood Ranch organization to help Haitian quake victims

A local organization is gearing up to help earthquake victims in Haiti.

A box from ShelterBox USA can help a family of up to 10 people while they are displaced or homeless. Photo courtesy of ShelterBox USA.

ShelterBox USA in Lakewood Ranch is planning to send 1,000 boxes to the impoverished country that has been devastated in a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday. Casualty figures are not precise at the moment.

The ShelterBox Response Team, with members David Eby of Tennessee and Wayne Robinson of Georgia, and Mark Pearson from the United Kingdom are on their way to Haiti, 200 Boxes have already been sent, and more boxes are being coordinated.

“ShelterBox USA is doing everything we can to ensure immediate aid reaches the people of Haiti, but it needs help with donations," said Veronica Brandon Miller, the executive director of the organization. “We were in Haiti 18 months ago, delivering aid after a series of hurricanes left thousands homeless. We’ll now be working closely with our contacts on the ground in the country to make sure we get aid to the people who need it most during the current crisis."

Since its inception in 2000, ShelterBox has provided shelter and dignity following more than 100 disasters in more than 60 countries.

Each “ShelterBox” supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and lifesaving equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless. The contents are tailored depending on the nature and location of the disaster. Trained ShelterBox Response Teams distribute boxes on the ground, working closely with local organizations, international aid agencies and Rotary clubs worldwide.

Those who want to help can visit the Web site, call (941) 907-6036, or send an e-mail.