I (John Ratzlaff) talked with Nicole again this morning (Tuesday, September 9). She says that the children and the orphanage came through the hurricane with no injuries or damage to property. It is good that all of  the construction over the past 10 years has been with concrete and block. There have been some mud and thatch dwelling in the community (Croix des Bouquet) that have been destroyed due to the heavy rains and flooding. There are also many people from the mountain areas that are coming down for help having only escaped with there lives. The needs are enormous in a country that had so little before the hurricanes struck the island.

All monetary donations for relief efforts should be sent to:
Haiti Lifeline Ministries
PO Box 508
Hesston, Kansas 67062

Haiti Lifeline Ministries Inc. is a 501 C/3 organization and has no administrative overhead. 100 % of every dollar given goes directly to meet the needs of the people of Haiti. The money is used for the purchase of food, clothing, and health care. Nicole Dieudonne (Lifeline Orphanage Administrator) and her husband Daniel oversee the distribution to the needy families of Haiti.

It is time to get the 2008 shipment ready to send to Haiti. Following are some items that have been requested by Nicole as well as the Haiti Lifeline Board members.
 
1. Heavy plastic or metal bowls for the children to eat out of ( 6" to 8" diameter).
 
2. Metal spoons
 
3. Twin bed sheets for orphanage beds (larger sheets also accepted)
 
4. Bicycles (New or used in good working condition).
 
5. Baby cribs
 
6. Shoes for all ages (sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes, walking shoes) New or good used condition
 
7. Warm weather clothing (all ages)
 
8. School bags and supplies   
 
9. 5000 watt gas powered generator
 
10. Large boxes of powdered milk
 
11. Large bags of rice or dry beans
 
12. Play ground equipment (heavy duty)
 
Cash donations to purchase mattresses and building materials ( for computer desks, school desks and benches) are also welcome
 
The collection and shipping location is:
 
John and Elaine Ratzlaff residence 6 miles east of Buhler, 13 miles west of Hesston, 15 miles south of McPherson, 8 miles north of Burrton
21431 West Dutch Avenue
Moundridge, Kansas
Phone: 620-543-2571
Cell:  620-664-1987

With the food crisis in Haiti right now we are instructing people to send their monetary gifts to:

Haiti Lifeline Ministries
Box 508
Hesston, KS 67062.

Haiti Lifeline Ministries is a volunteer organization so 100% of every dollar given goes directly to the need. Nicole Dieudonne, the administrator of the Lifeline Orphanage in Croix-des-Bouquet, Haiti will use the funds to purchase rice, beans, and cooking oil to distribute among the poor people in that area of the country.