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.


Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.