Ann Kormos and Kim Meschter, both Decatur High School social studies teachers, decided they needed to help the world.
The two teachers became incredibly concerned after hearing about the global food crisis all over the news. They were particularly interested, however, in the food crisis in Haiti.
Josette Sheeran, head of the U.N. World Programme, has referred to this unstoppable food crisis as the “silent tsunami.”
According to a letter sent by both teachers to media representatives around the nation, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and one where the food crisis has hit very hard. An ABC news stated that people in the country are trying to placate their hunger by making “mud cookies” — made up of a mix of dirt with oil.
The letter also stated that the country’s desperation over hunger led to a revolt two weeks ago that resulted in the overturning of the government.
“Kim and I became very concerned with all the food riots and shortages, and felt very responsible as Americans,” Ann Kormos said.
For this reason, Decatur teachers, Kormos and Meschter came up with “Operation Haiti,” a food drive and fundraiser that will take place through May 30. The goal of the operation is to raise $7,000 this month, which is needed to ship a 40-foot food container that will be sent to orphanages and schools in Haiti.
“We just started a competition between Decatur, Thomas Jefferson High School and possibly Todd Beamer (High School) to see how much food we can raise,” Kormos said. “This is also open to the community, and we hope people can help with money or food.”
Decatur High School united forces with a Tacoma based non-profit organization called The Gathering Project, which specializes in collecting donated goods for countries in need by supporting transportation of the items. Its founder, David Corner, will receive the 2008 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize this month.
“I believe that our community can mobilize behind us, get this container of food out and give these people more time before the crops and the agricultural systems can be restored for next year,” Kormos said.
Throughout May, Decatur High School will mobilize its student body and the community for the support of “Operation Haiti.”
Among the items needed are canned foods, baby formula, cereals, cooking oil, dried beans, food supplements, hygiene items, lentils, oatmeal, dried beans, flour, pancake mixes, powdered eggs and milk, sugar and syrup, among others.
Kormos said another goal of “Operation Haiti” is to make students aware and get them personally involved in this deep global crisis.
“Hopefully the good hearts of Federal Way will make this happen in our time line to this crisis,” Kormos said.
Contact writer:
acharleston@fedwaymirror.com
