Lake Highlands High School students are pitching in with the effort to help earthquake victims in Haiti, collecting crutches, braces, walkers and flat-folding wheelchairs for islanders with broken legs or amputated limbs from the disaster.

The project began with LH’s Ric and Terri Hawkins, who saw news reports of thousands of victims wearing casts or requiring amputations. They sent emails to friends and were surprised at the strong response. They invited the LH Women’s League (Terri’s a member) and the LH Exchange Club (Ric’s a member) to join them, and walking aids have come pouring in.

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“Ric and Terri have done an amazing job with this project, and our kids wanted to pitch in and help,” said Casey Boland, AP History teacher at LHHS and sponsor of Peer Helpers, the group organizing the effort at the high school. “Some LH-area elementary schools are trying to help us, as is Berkner High School.”

“I’ve been injured plenty of times,” said Wildcat soccer player Chris Nieto, who donated several pairs of crutches. “Every time I get hurt, they give me a new pair of crutches. I’m glad someone in Haiti will be able to use them to get around.”

If you have mobility aids to contribute, you may deliver them to LHHS or leave them on the Hawkins’ front porch at 9026 Meadowknoll.