POINT PLEASANT — The devastating earthquake that recently took place in Haiti has caused thousands to lose their lives, homes and families.

Locally, Point Pleasant Junior Senior High School students are working to help Haiti earthquake victims through the “Here’s to Haiti” campaign. The program, which is being spearheaded by Junior Class Co-Presidents Claire Cottrill and Gabriel Starcher, was started shortly after the tragic earthquake took place.

Through the “Here’s to Haiti” campaign, PPJSHS students are selling ribbons and collecting donations. All proceeds collected will be given to the Save the Children program, which is an approved credible organization. Donations will provide for food, water and medicine for children in Haiti. According to Cottrill, students decided to give to Save the Children because they wanted to help those in their age group.

Local businesses, Ohio Valley Bank and Willa’s Bible Bookstore are now doing their part to help Haiti victims and have recently joined the “Here’s to Haiti” campaign. Both businesses are currently selling ribbons for donations at their respective locations. Cottrill said that she would like to see more businesses support the cause and to make the donation effort a community project.

“This is a great way for our community to see that we do want to help others,” she added.

Aside from area businesses, both Cottrill and Starcher said that they would like to get the other area high schools involved in the program.

Donations to Save the Children also can be made online by visiting the Web site, www.savethechildren.org. Donation checks for the cause, which must be made payable to the PPJSHS Junior Class, will be accepted as well.

For more information on Here’s to Haiti, call the high school at 304-675-1350 and leave a message for either Cottrill or Starcher.