HAITIAN RELIEF UNDERWAY - PAT'S GRANDDAUGHTER JUMPS INTO THE EFFORT

Pat's granddaughter, Mackenzie Grisar, age 7, lives in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. She, like many millions of others all across the world, witnessed from afar the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Without any prompting or direction from her mom or dad, Mackenzie organized a drive to collect and send critical items to the orphans. With the help and support of a church group, her efforts are exemplar, and worthy of sharing with all of our Rainbow Families supporters. It is an outstanding example how ordinary people, no matter what their age, can make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others. A link to her story follows. I hope that you will make a moment to read it. Mackenzie Grisar, 7, organizes Haiti relief

The Lake County News Herald Newspaper published a feature story on the efforts to bring immediate relief to the striken people of Haiti. Rainbow Families founder Patricia Grisar is featured in the article. Click on the following link to read the story on-line News Herald Article The following are photos of supplies Pat has purchased for delivery Saturday morning to Haiti. My supplies are the first pickup on its way to Puerto Plata where things will be loaded on a bigger truck before departing to Santo Domingo. Supplies are escorted/accompanied by the Bishop of the Assembly of God Church and upon arrival to Haiti will be escorted by military for delivery to ALL, not just to people from this church. The photos are of the supplies I purchased for delivery to Haiti. The truck has departed Cangrejo (Dominican Republic) where my things were loaded (about 45 boxes, 2,000 pounds) and then on to Montellano (Dominican Republic, near Puerto Plata). The supplies will be loaded onto a bigger truck in Puerto Plata before departure to Santo Domingo. The guy in the long sleeve blue shirt will be escorting the truck to Santo Domingo. He is the supervising pastor of the Assemblea de Iglesias Cristianas (Assembly of Christ Churches) from Cabarette to Montellano. In Santo Domingo the Bishop will escort the truck to Haiti where a military escort will accompany the truck into the villages. God bless those affected in this horrendous tragedy. I heard of another village 33 kilometers east of Port of Prince that has not received any aid whatsoever. Looking for someone going there or wants to go there to deliver aid with any other donations I receive.

Rainbow Families Foundation Overview

My name is Patricia Grisar. I am the founder of Rainbow Families Foundation. Rainbow Families Foundation was organized due to my visit to the poverty-stricken country of the Dominican Republic during November 2000. It has compelled me to offer humanitarian relief to the adults and children in the mountain village outside of Puerto Plata. Please help me in this campaign. Our monthly Newsletters (click here, left column will change) provide a continuous record of the Rainbow Families Foundation humanitarian relief effort. I admit I am surprised at myself of how I have been taken by the needs of the Dominican Republic children. I'm certain it was due to the warmth of the people and pride they showed when I toured their villages. The beautiful children touched my heart. I too grew up in severe poverty. I am one of ten children. My father was born disabled and my mother was a housewife, tending to the needs of her family. We did not have running water or inside toilet facilities in our Appalachian Ohio home until I was 12 years old. We did not have modern heat until after my father died in 1988. We huddled by a wood stove in the winter and kept warm during the day. When the fire in the wood stove burned out we bundled in many blankets to keep warm.

Fortunately, there are many social agencies in the United States that assist poor families. My family received aid for food and minimal clothing. I am very fortunate. And, as a result have enjoyed a wonderful life with many opportunities. I am aware that there is nothing in the Dominican Republic that provides even minimal aid to the poor families, and no known way to break the children out of the uncertain future they face. I know that together we can help make a difference. The Rainbow Families Foundation Mission. With my Dominican volunteers, we personally distribute all donated clothing, shoes, toys, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, blankets and linens to families in many villages in the Puerto Plata area. No portion of the donations is garnished or seized by any person, organization, or the Government for their self-gain. Rainbow Families Foundation is recognized as an IRS 501(c)3 not-for-profit humanitarian foundation. Our IRS employer identification number (EIN) is 34-1940069. Tax-deductible contributions of clothing or checks are appreciated. Funds will be used for the purchase of undergarments, shoes, and other essential items. For more information send an email to the Rainbow Families Foundation Founder. If you are able to help, please make checks payable to "Rainbow Families and send to: Rainbow Families Foundation 8543 Hemlock Ridge Drive Kirtland, Ohio 44094