Haitian native returns to Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A musician who survived the devastating earthquake in Haiti, arrived back in Buffalo overnight.

Frank Desire arrived at the Buffalo Niagara Airport just after 1 a.m. Wednesday.

The Haitian native lived in western New York for many years, and was in the Caribbean nation during the quake.

Many of his friends here were very concerned about him just after the disaster.

Desire said, "I was exactly in the heart of it, the whole Del Mar was destroyed. But thank God I had a chance to help other people, the person I was with at that time, I was the one who helped her get down. The house next to us fell down, and at least twelve people died that day."

Desire performs in many Buffalo Schools and has been educating our community over the last decade about the Haitian people.

He says he hopes to work with the people of Buffalo, to send more help to Haiti.

With his arrival, Asakivle Buffalo Friends of Haiti will kick off a donation drive. The following items can be dropped off at El Buen Amigo 114 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo 14201, 885.6343:

General Supplies

• Tents
• Cooking Supplies
• Blankets
• Sleeping bags
• Sheets
• Towels
• Tarps
• Dust Masks
• Hand Cranked/Solar Flashlights
• Camping Stoves
• Wet Wipes
• Toilet Paper
• Bungee Cords
• Diesel Generators
• Empty Diesel Cans
• Extension Cords
• Power Strips
• Flood Lights
• Ziploc Bags (all sizes)
• Garbage Bags (all sizes)
• Flip-Flops

Food Supplies

• Bottled Water
• Nutritional Bars
• Nonperishable Food Items
• Canned Items (with pop tops)

Medical Supplies

• Water Purification Tablets
• Band-aids
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Antiseptic Soap
• Bandages/Gauze
• OTC medicines – Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, decongestants, children’s medicines,
antacid, anti-diarrhea, anti-fungal
• Feminine products/Monistat Cream
• Toothpaste/Toothbrushes
• Collapsible Water Purification Systems
• Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
• Non-Latex Gloves
• Diapers
• Clorox Wipes
• Cotton Balls
• Thermometers
• Hand Sanitizer
• Sterile Tape
• Sponges
• Squeeze Cold Packs
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Shampoos
• Vitamins
• Eye Drops

• Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
• Non-Latex Gloves
• Diapers
• Clorox Wipes
• Cotton Balls
• Thermometers
• Hand Sanitizer
• Sterile Tape
• Sponges

• Squeeze Cold Packs
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Shampoos
• Vitamins
• Eye Drops