Typhoon Haiyan’s Impacts Still Remain in the Philippines

Rachel Locke

Staff Writer

Approximately one month ago, a massive typhoon swarmed through the Philippine Islands. This superstorm, also known as Typhoon Haiyan, caused the fatalities of nearly 6,000 people. There are close to 1,500 still missing from this catastrophe, according to a study by the Philippine government released on Dec. 8.

 According to CNN.com, Typhoon Haiyan was one of the strongest storms that has ever hit in history. On Nov. 8, 2013, nearly 25 million people were in the typhoon’s path. There were  tremendously powerful winds, with the maximum wind gusts reaching as high as 235 mph. This category five hurricane stormed through the country and caused many to flee to evacuate. As Philippines president Benigno S. Aquino III stated in his address, the nation was involved in such a “calamity.” Roads were closed due to fallen trees and people were urged to stay where they were.  Many people left for shelter at set evacuation centers, where tens of thousands of civilians stayed for days. The most unfortunate part about this superstorm was not only all the fatalities, but the thousands of homes that were damaged in the storm’s path. When many homeowners and their families came back to their home many days after the storm, they came back to absolutely nothing. That was one of the most devastating parts of it all.

 After being the topic of conversation in many other countries not affected by the typhoon, many people decided that there should be a way for other nations to help. The United Nations donated $25 million in an effort to provide food assistance and and basic shelter and necessities. From the United States, an aircraft carrier, USS George Washington, was sent to sail to the Philippine Islands to provide extra assistance to those in need. Along with the carrier, the U.S. also shipped $20 million in immediate aid to use for basic needs. Many other nations, such as Japan, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom have donated dollars and personnel to assist people. Individual families and certain organizations in these countries have collected and shipped supplies to the Philippines. The relief efforts from many countries is certainly put to good use.

 There is still hope for the Philippine Islands and their recovery. There are many ways in which one can help. The Philippines are still in need of temporary shelter in the form of tents.  Donations are being collected by a wide variety of organizations, such as the American Red Cross and UNICEF. Please help to support these islands in their time of need.

Adopt-A-Child Returns to New Hope This Holiday Season

Nicole Martin

Bailey Hendricks
Staff Writers

What do you think when you hear the word Christmas? Do you think presents? Santa Claus? Decorations? Hot chocolate? Fires?  Family? Christmas Trees? Music? Cookies? Or Snow? For some children in our area, these thoughts do not come to mind. It is a time when all of their friends are receiving gifts, but they are in an unfortunate situation where their parents cannot afford the frivolous  things in life, including presents for their own children. No longer is it a season of joy for them, but a season of regret  and sadness  for the thought of waking up to a bare christmas tree.  

New Hope-Solebury High School is pairing up with Adopt-A-Child this year in order to grant the wishes of numerous children. Key Club is running the event partnering with Fisherman’s Mark, getting each homeroom to participate and select one child to grant their holiday wishes. Each homeroom  will attempt to buy each of the items from a child’s list and bring them back to the school on December 19th  in order for them to be delivered  to Fisherman’s Mark, where they will be  handed over to the parents’ possession.  A $150 maximum has been established for each child in order to make it fair in a household with numerous children. Make sure not to wrap the presents and preferably give newly purchased items! December 11th was when the money was due and we have already adopted all of the children, but any further money brought will go towards Giant gift cards for underprivileged families, so they can enjoy a lovely holiday meal. Ms. Soriano has stated that “ Adopt-A-Child is the most rewarding and fulfilling project we (Key Club) do.” Indeed Key Club has made quite a difference again this holiday season.

Adopt-A-Child for the Holidays began in 1995 at Fisherman’s Mark of Lambertville, NJ and they have been working with New Hope-Solebury High School ever since; it was originally started by the Community Service Club, it has now been renamed to Key Club. Since the start Adopt-A-Child has been helping more and more children every year. Starting with about 50 children in 1995 to an amazing number of over 300 in the recent years. To this date not letting one child go giftless for Christmas!