Boys Town South Florida Staff Lend a Hand in Haiti Relief Efforts

Just as they go the extra mile in their every day lives to save children and heal families, some members of the Boys Town Family are putting aside their own grief to provide aid to those affected by the Haiti Earthquake.

Soon after the quake hit, 10 Creole speaking Boys Town South Florida staff members began assisting evacuees with translation at Orlando’s Sanford Airport where thousands of Haitian and Haitian-Americans have been arriving through Operation Safe Return. Even though all of the Boys Town volunteers have known someone who has perished in the earthquake and many are still waiting to hear about their own loved ones in Haiti, each one has been working physically demanding shifts, often translating for 16 hours or more at a time.

Despite the physical and emotional toll, these employees are doing all they can to help those in need. “Every one of these individuals has taken this responsibility without complaint, realizing that their ability to communicate with the evacuees is the most wonderful thing they can offer in the Haiti relief efforts,” said Amy Simpson, Boys Town South Florida Executive Director.

Because there are so few translators, they have little time to eat. Operating on granola bars and other snacks they can fit in their pockets, they often have to run from one person to another to assist with translation. “It is very hard, very tiring, and very emotional work, but they are happy to help,” said Simpson. One particular Boys Town employee literally gave the shirt off her back, as she provided her sweatshirt to a woman who was wearing the same t-shirt she had been wearing since the earthquake happened.

“To me, these folks [Boys Town volunteers] are real heroes,” said Simpson. “But like any hero, they are supported by many others.” Back at Boys Town South Florida, it has been a collaborative effort among the remaining staff to cover the caseloads of those volunteering. Boys Town Central Florida, North Florida and South Florida have also worked together to organize a clothing/blanket/coat drive for those affected by the earthquake.

“Knowing our staff, the last thing they are doing this for is recognition,” said Simpson. “But I do think the Boys Town Family will be proud of these tremendous efforts, and that everyone affected would appreciate prayers for the people of Haiti.”

If you would like to learn more about the Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts, please visit www.redcross.org.