During the month of February, the employees of the City of Prattville Sanitation Department conferred and decided to pull together whatever they felt they could afford to donate to the Haiti Relief efforts.

"The men got together and did this on their own. I didn't know anything about it until they handed me the envelope and asked for help in getting it to the right person. I am extremely proud of my department," stated Sanitation Department Director Edward Clinton.

Sanitation Department employees presenting Central Alabama American Red Cross Director Jackie Buck with their heartfelt donation
of $305 for Haiti Relief. Also shown are (on the left) Mayor Jim Byard, Jr. and (on the right) Human Resources Director Lisa Thrash.

Director Jackie Buck stated that the Central Alabama region has experienced 25 household fires the weekend prior to this presentation. Almost all of these fires left these families without a home or personal belongings.

An average of 92 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

Just prior to the disaster in Haiti, our (Central Alabama) American Red Cross took pledges for donations that would fund local operations. Many of those donations then came in marked for Haiti Relief. Our regional office puts donations wherever you tell them you want your money to go.

When giving to the Red Cross, you might consider earmarking your donation for local relief. The City of Prattville, nor the American Red Cross (Central Alabama region) are discouraging anyone from contributing to Haiti, Chile, or any other worthwhile humanitarian effort. This is just additional information provided to assist those interested in donating.

The City of Prattville is extremely proud of this group of men for taking the initiative and making a sacrifice to contribute to the health and well-being of those who have suffered because of the tragedy in Haiti.