Hey there, fellow Bookies.

Every once and a while, life throws an event at us that forces us to look beyond our personal needs and perceive the larger scope of the world around us.  We all know there is more to life than comic books and superheroes. Many people believe the world has become a hardened and cynical place, where we don’t look after each other and focus on our own personal needs. Call me a Fool, but refuse to believe that. In times of crisis and in the face of great pain, so many people choose to push aside their own needs or wants in return for connecting and aiding the community around them. Isn’t that what a hero really is- someone who looks to deal with the needs of the many rather than just their own?

What better way to show emulate our heroes than by acting as one?

Everyone knows how bad the situation is in Haiti. People from around the world are pouring in to offer a helping hand in the wake of the destruction. I know that every celebrity out there will mention the charity they support the most; telethons and fundraisers a big way the well-paid circles can give back. Hundreds of websites are out there pointing us to groups donating supplies, blood, food, medical gear and more. But I did want to focus on one actor’s site in particular.

If you’re a fan of the show “Heroes”, you might remember a certain memory-wiping man known for three seasons simply as ‘The Haitian’. Actor Jimmy Jean-Louis actually hails from the devastated country. He has lost family and friends and is now doing whatever is possible to aid in the recovery process. A website devoted specifically to gathering funds and supplies has been put up to rally the troops . Among the needs his site lists are:

  • Shelter kits with tents, tarps, water purification tables and more
  • Emergency relief supplies
  • Food
  • Medical supplies
  • Family tool kits, including shovels
  • Telecommunications equipment

The website is http://haitianhero.com

You can call toll-free to donate by phone: 1-877-572-4484

They also have a PayPal account set up for donations via the internet.

I know things aren’t easy right now. The Economy sucks and we all have bills to pay. But just consider this- for a donation of $20, you can facilitate the purchase of: gallons of water, hundreds of bandages, packets of rubber gloves, dozens of packets of lightbulbs for the temporary shelters, and pounds of needed foodstuffs. All this would require is a small sacrifice- the same price as that DVD or a trip to your favorite restaurant or even part of your weekly pulls.

I firmly believe that each of us has the ability to rise to the occasion when it involves easing the suffering of our neighbors. When a major disaster strikes on this magnitude, how can we NOT act?

Clothing drives. Blood drives. Food drives. There are so many options. Don’t sit back when you know you can stand and do good. Be a hero.

Scott Nap
Writer/Director- “ISSUES: The Series”