Members of the Laurinburg, Laurel Hill and Maxton Lions Clubs, all affiliates of the Lions Club International organization, want to bring the public's attention to efforts being done for victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

"When I first heard about the earthquake, I went online to see what Lions Club International would be doing for the victims," Laurinburg Lions Club Secretary Rebecca Brooks said. "I knew they would be on the field and helping these people. That's what the Lions Club is all about."

As Brooks suspected, Lions Club International was quick to respond, with more than $500,000 collected within days of the disaster. Lions Club International President Eberhard J. Wirfs sent all members a message detailing the club's efforts to date.

"Just like Lions have done with the South Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the Sichuan earthquake in China and other calamities, (Lions Club International) will be there for both the short and long term, providing immediate aid now but also working to rebuild communities, to restore hope and to support those affected for as long as it takes."

Of fellow Lions in the stricken country, Wirfs said that Haitian Lions Club members " ... are our brothers and sisters, members of our international family, and we will never let them down."

At least two Lions Club members in Haiti have been confirmed dead.

Wirfs stressed the need for donations to continue.

"(We will) need millions more if we are to help the country rebuild, to provide homes for the homeless, to rebuild schools for the children, to rehabilitate those left disabled, and to help heal so many shattered and broken hearts," he said. "So please donate what you can."

Brooks encourages local supporters to give what they are able.

"One way to help the Haitian people is to visit the Lions Club International website, where you can make a contribution at whatever amount you see fit," Brooks said. "You can be assured that 100 percent of your donation will be sent to Haiti."

Wirfs emphasized what he considers the difference between the Lions Club and other similar organizations.

"If there is one thing that makes Lions unique from other service agencies, it's that we commit for the long term and we work within the affected communities - through our local Lions -- to rebuild for a better tomorrow. To our Lions family in Haiti, I commit to you that the Lions of the world will be there for you today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, the year after that, and again for as long as it takes."

To make a donation to earthquake victims in Haiti, visit www.lionsclubs.org and click on the "Make a Donation" link.

The Laurinburg Lions Club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Golden Corral. For more information contact Brooks at 280-0768.