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Semi coming to Oxford to collect for Haiti

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By Sarah Reder Contributing Writer Updated 2:06 PM Tuesday, January 26, 2010

OXFORD — A semi truck will be heading to Oxford for two days in early February with a mission to gather up as many donated items as possible for people in Haiti after a massive earthquake devastated the country.

Miami University students and Oxford residents can donate items at a number of locations before the truck arrives, including Ace Hardware, the Oxford Presbyterian Church and many other local organizations.

The semi will be parked near the Miami University Health Center Feb. 2 before it delivers all items to Matthew 25 Ministries in Cincinnati, who will then ship donations to Haiti by boat.

The city of Oxford will be loaning collection barrels for the event.

“This is a way for people to give material things that we know will directly help the victims of the Haiti earthquake,” said Mark Boardman, Miami University professor of geology.

“While money is definitely a great way to help, it’s good to sometimes donate tangible items that have an immediate impact,” he said.

Boardman said Matthew 25 is seeking personal care items, including soaps, shampoos and diapers, cleaning supplies, medical supplies like gloves and creams, gently used clothing, canned goods and non-perishable foods.

There is no limit on what people can contribute. Boardman said he personally will be donating a set of crutches and someone else he knows plans to give a walker.

The semi is being donated by Randy Lane Trucking Company in Ross, Ohio,

All volunteer opportunities for this event are being organized by Rob Fausz, graduate student in Architecture and Interior Design, as well as Yvette Johnson, director of Miami University’s Pre-Law Program.

Two currently have about 100 volunteers signed up to help, but more will be needed, Boardman said.

“Many individuals are going out of their way to cooperate to make this relief effort happen,” Boardman said.

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