Since the shocking aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked Haiti, the world has stepped up to help support the millions of people left without shelter and sustenance.

The citizens of Shelby County should join that effort.

So many of us have been touched by the disaster through personal ties to Haiti, such as nurse C.J. Ross of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Indian Springs and Judy Quick of Columbiana, the Diocesan representative for Episcopal relief and development. Both have made trips to Haiti, and both were heartbroken upon hearing news of the quake.

Certainly there are those in our county who have other ties to Haiti. For them, we pray their families and friends there are safe.

After Hurricane Katrina left a trail of destruction through the Southeastern United States, those around the world stood up for us.

Good people donated food, money, clothes and whatever they could to help. It’s time to pay it forward and do the same for Haiti.

There are many ways to donate to Haiti.

If you would like to do so locally, you can write a check to the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, with “Haiti Earthquake Relief” in the memo line.

These checks may be mailed to The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, Carpenter House, at 521 20th St. North, Birmingham, 35203.