Members of Utica Congregation to Take Medical Mission Trip to Haiti

While others head to St. Patrick's Day's celebrations across town, a group of 25 from Trinity Lutheran Church in Utica will embark on an eight-day mission trip to Haiti. 

Partnering with the North East Haiti Lutheran Mission (NEHLM) Society, the Trinity group will join fellow volunteers and health professionals to provide free medical and dental clinics to approximately 1,000 to 1,200 Haitians, March 17-25.

"The goal of the mission will be to share Jesus with the people of Haiti through supplying medical and dental help and conducting a (Vacation Bible School) program," according to the church website.  

The small island nation of Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake more than three years ago, but citizens continue to be in desperate need of basic necessities such as medical and dental care. 

Using the online fund-raising company Dibbee to collect donations, the group plans to purchase various medical supplies and vitamins that can be distributed during the trip. 

As of Saturday, members had raised more than $2,000 through online fund-raising and several hundred more through in-person efforts at Trinity and in the Shelby Township and Utica community. The group is now less than $700 away from its $3,000 fund-raising goal, according to Dibbee.

Community members wishing to help the group achieve its goal can still contribute online at Dibbee.