ToyDrive in Haiti...Would you land a hand?

When I was first approached to write this piece, I must admit I was both honored and petrified. Honored because I was a part, albeit a small part, of this movement that is [trying to] counter the negative effects of media coverage on Haitians while praising young professionals who are making a contribution, not only to their Haitian heritage, but also to mankind as a whole by honoring Haitian excellence. I was petrified because I didn’t know how to digest this undertaking. I started researching fancy quotes from great leaders of society, both past and present, which I felt would move my audience, so I could evoke emotion. That’s when the nerves set in. Suppose I sound pretentious and obnoxious, where my words are unable to pierce the hearts of the reader? Or worse, insincere and fake where I come across transparent and phony? In the midst of all this mental soliloquy, a little voice told me to “keep it simple V!” And that’s what I’ve decided to do. I am going to speak from within, without the fancy language and hope my simplicity moves you to give with your hearts to those who desperately await your generosity.

Many of us sometimes feel the size of a gesture is directly linked to how much the gesture will be appreciated. I am here to tell you that that premise is absolutely false. We give because we can. We give because what we have, another lacks and if there is a way to fill in that gap, why not? We give because we see someone else wanting something that we’ve taken for granted. We give because it hurts too much not to. That is why I am asking you to open up your hearts [and wallets] to give to a foundation that is holding a toy fundraiser for the unfortunate children in Haiti. All we are asking is for you to donate toys that are in good working condition, preferably new, to give a young child a reason to smile. If you’re unable to purchase new toys or find old toys that will endure the wear and tear of an overenthusiastic child, feel free to give a monetary gift. Your $1 donation is no less important than the $10 of someone else, the $100 of another or the $1000 of yet another. No gift is too small, so please find it within the depths of your souls to give. Every little bit counts and will contribute to carving out a little piece of happiness in the lives of children who at times don’t have much to be happy about.


Thank you for taking the time to read this and remember that you can help to make a great difference in the lives of another human being by giving. A relatively small gesture can impact another person’s life in ways you could never imagine. So, give! Give with all you’ve got and be content with the fact you made another person’s day that much brighter.

Written by: Vayola Prophete