Church Car Wash Benefits Haiti Earthquake Victims

Parsippany Christian Church is trying to transform Saturday's $5 car wash fundraiser into a blessing, as it works to raise funds to build weather-proof housing for a needy family in Haiti.

Money is currently being raised for a young girl, Laurenskie, a 14-year-old Haitian earthquake survivor, who is living with her family in a lean-to style shack where her previous home once stood. PCC Minister Scott Bates described her current insufficient dwelling as, “sticks of wood bound together, with a tarp roof.”

It takes $4,000 to build a sturdy, weather-proof home out of concrete blocks and Parsippany Christian Church will hold additional fundraisers as it works toward its goal. The money provides two-fold rewards, paying for building supplies, as well as employing local Haitian construction workers and craftsmen to create the structure. Once complete, this project will be the fourth house the congregation has funded and built.

Business was a bit slow in the morning. Bates surmised that was due to the threat of rain in the forecast. However, cars did make their way in, including one driven by Eileen Singer, a resident of more than 45 years, who sang praises of the kindness and community spirit of people in Parsippany, declaring “I couldn’t find a better town to live in. It’s the best.”

The church operates through Lifeline Christian Mission, an organization that aggregates efforts of member churches to assist those in need via financial and hands-on support. Through this agency, some PCC members embark on an annual trip that allows church members to interact with the families they assist.

Devon Esposito, a church member and one of the day's car wash volunteers has been on several humanitarian trips to Haiti.

“Visiting Haiti was not what I expected," she said. "At first glance, it can be depressing, but you can see the spirit of the people and that is breathtaking.”

Victor Ray, 16, is a member of PCC’s Youth Group and has felt fulfilled to help those in need.

“I really feel committed to assisting the people of Haiti," he said. "I feel like God has gifted me with the capability to help them.”

The church currently sponsors five Haitian children, with some members of the congregation individually assisting children, bringing the total up to 14. 

“The best thing about sponsoring these children is that we get to go there and meet them, which allows us to really understand their needs," Missions Director Terry Lind said.

PCC member Patty Wood concurred, “I really didn’t feel the full connection to the people of Haiti until I actually went there.”

Questioned whether all of the media attention to Haiti, as well as celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, who donated $1 million through her Angel Network, had lessened the need, PCC Deacon Pete Esposito replied, “I fail to see money the U.S. has sent to Haiti," he said. "Maybe it went to food and other less visible forms of relief. Going to Port-au-Prince and nearby areas, you don’t see the much-needed construction going on. You see the need.”

PCC offers all members of the community the opportunity to assist in sponsoring children/families in Haiti. For more information, visit its website.