News Release
For Release: January 13, 2010
Contact: Frank Baraff 914-469-3775

Mayor Hawkins calls for total community mobilization to aid Haiti relief

News Conference with Senator Lautenberg, Tuesday January 13th

Orange Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr., President of the New Jersey Jaycees, said today that he is mobilizing the entire Orange community to assist relief efforts in Haiti. At a news conference today at 4:30pm at the Temple of Unified Christians, 7 Prospect Street, East Orange, Mayor Hawkins, Senator Frank Lautenberg, leaders of Orange’s Haitian community, leaders of the New Jersey Jaycees, and representatives of Congressman Donald Payne and East Orange Mayor Robert Bowser discussed efforts to aid the victims of the tragedy in Haiti.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.

“We are moving to do everything possible to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. First we are working with local Haitian organizations in Orange to assist our local residents in contacting their loved ones in Haiti. Partners of the Carribean and its leader Tony DeSormes are working to open a line of communication to Haiti. Orange has a large and active Haitian community with strong ties of family and friendship to victims.

From the Mayor’s office, we are contacting local ministers and community organizations to coordinate their efforts. Contributions of clothing, non-perishable food and medical supplies may be donated at the Mayor’s office, 29 North Day Street in Orange. Please call (973) 266-4005 to get further information about the NJ Jaycees Haiti relief effort and where to send donations.