Keeping the poor people of Haiti alive and well has never been more important for the Friends of the Children of Haiti.

Deacon Richard Hammond and his wife, Barb, of Bartonville, and volunteer Larry Shank had returned to the organization’s clinic in Cyvadier this week to prepare for the visit of a medical team from central Illinois. They were not hurt in the devastating earthquake that struck the island nation on Jan. 12.

Tim O’Brien, president of the FOTCOH Foundation, said Deacon Hammond reported some damage to the clinic, but said it was “nothing we can’t handle.” They still have water and power.

Deacon Hammon, the organization’s CEO, has said the patient load they are expecting will tax the clinic’s medicine, supplies and fuel. Contributions may be made to the organization’s Web site, www.fotcoh.org. More information is also available by calling (309) 369-2634 or by writing to email@fotchoh.org.