M.E.Ch.A. joins efforts to help Haiti

Set up in the campus quad on Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the members of M.E.Ch.A. offered a variety of homemade goodies, including cookies, cupcakes, muffins and brownies. Subsequently, 20 percent would be donated to a non-profit organization that is currently helping those in need in Haiti, according to M.E.Ch.A. club president Cindy Pila.

"The people of Haiti are in dire need of help," said Pila. "Although the earthquakes happened a few weeks ago, there are so many people who have basic needs, and we have the opportunity to help."

M.E.Ch.A. hopes to motivate others and get more hands involved with Haiti relief. Though the club has not yet decided to which organization they will donate a portion of their funds, they are considering the American Red Cross, Doctor's Without Borders and United Way Worldwide.

All three are among the many organizations that rushed to Haiti's aide when the country was struck by a magnitude 7 earthquake on Jan. 12, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program. The country has since experienced devastating losses, and these charitable groups are doing their part to pitch in.

M.E.Ch.A. club member Rodrigo Mendez, 18, believes the club is on the right track when it comes to helping others.

"As a club, our goal is to give back to the community," he said. "We're always looking to see how and where we can contribute."

Today, M.E.Ch.A. participates in volunteer work in and around the community. In addition to bake sales, the organization has hosted a number of toy drives, clothing drives and other charitable events that have been for the betterment of those less fortunate.

Sharon Whitfield, a 25-year-old psychology major, was among the many students who donated to the bake sale.

"I think what they're doing is great," she said. "This club could donate even five percent of their profit to Haiti relief and it would still be great. Any amount matters in this situation."

Alex Martinez, a 19-year-old business major, also contributed to the bake sale.

"It feels good to help others out," she said. "I spent a dollar on a donut but in the long run I'm getting a lot more out of this."

While M.E.Ch.A. witnessed droves of students and staff participate in the bake sale, many others chose to overlook the table of treats and goodies. According to Mendez, many students had other cares and worries and opted to spend their money elsewhere.

"Many students are aware of the situation in Haiti but probably don't think of how much even a few pennies could help," he said. "These events could someday happen to us, and I know we'd want others to be there for us when that day comes."