[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 1] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 746] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING THE RELIEF EFFORTS OF DILLARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI ______ HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 26, 2010 Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the students and staff of Dillard Elementary School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for their dedication to helping the people of Haiti in the wake of the 7.0 earthquake of January 12, 2010. Not enough sorrow can be expressed for the people of Haiti and all those affected by this tragic event. Every day, more information filters in from Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas that begins to shed light on the extent of the catastrophe in Haiti. This earthquake was a horror of epic proportions. It is estimated that over 200,000 Haitians, including hundreds of people from countries around the world, have died. In the aftermath of disaster, there have been numerous aftershocks reaching magnitudes of up to 6.1, and more unrest is expected. For years, Haitians have lived in misery beyond human understanding. Long after the final aftershock, the thousands of Haitians left homeless, injured, and starving will have to rebuild their country from the ground up. It is our moral duty as members of our global community to provide aid to Haiti in its time of great need. This cry for help has been answered by the students and staff of Dillard Elementary School. They are committed to raising $5,000 for the people of Haiti through community fundraisers and have already begun a coin drive with great enthusiasm. This is our nation at its finest hour. Seeing communities all across the nation rally around this noble cause is a reminder of the human compassion and dignity that we all share. My office is proud to support Dillard Elementary School in its efforts, as are many of my constituents and businesses in Florida's 23rd district, including Paradise Bank, The Westside Gazette, and Palm Harbor Prep. Madam Speaker, the students and staff of Dillard Elementary School are role models for us all. I hope that we will follow their example and dig deep to help the people of Haiti in one of its darkest hours. ____________________