How to help Haiti ... in Elgin

Contributing to earthquake relief in Haiti can be as simple as sending a text on your wireless phone.

But you can also help by heading to the Elgin Public House Thursday for a taste of Haitian culture or helping the Elgin Jaycees buy a ShelterBox, a 10-person tent with basic living essentials.

Two Haitian immigrants - Gigi Polycarpe and Rafo St. Vil - will share their stories at a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Public House, 219 E. Chicago St.

"Right now, Haiti is suffering," said Polycarpe, whose cousin died in the earthquake. "I hope in the future it has a second change to be better. Before, no one knows about Haiti and now, because of what happened, the whole world's eyes are on Haiti."

Polycarpe, a U.S. citizen and Elgin resident who immigrated from Haiti in 1985, said she was in Haiti a month ago working on her plan to open an orphanage by December 2010.

St. Vil, a musician who splits his time between Elgin and Chicago, will perform Thursday and also donated some of his artwork for auction.

He found out Sunday that one of his cousins was safely pulled from the rubble of a hotel.

"I wish I can do more," said St. Vil, who immigrated to the United States in 1979. "I know (relief) is going to be a long-term thing."

The event was organized by Elgin resident Ruth Munson and the St. James AME Church in Elgin.

Admission is $10 and proceeds will go to the American Red Cross. of Greater Chicago. It will feature light appetizers, cash bar, light refreshments and music.

For details, call (847) 468-8810 or (224) 402-8358.

The Elgin Jaycees also are raising money to buy five ShelterBoxes for earthquake relief.

Each $1,000 box contains a 10-person tent and a host of other equipment, including thermal blankets, insulated sheets, clothes, collapsible water containers and water purification tablets.

Jaycees President Mike Warren said the group has raised $3,000. "The response has been overwhelming," he said. "I'm really confident we'll be able to make an impact."

Donations can be sent to the Rotary Club of Elgin, P.O. Box 604, Elgin, 60121. For details, visit rotaryclubofelgin.org or call (847) 812-8786.