2 Marshall women head to Haiti to help earthquake victims

From left to right, Angie Wells and Toni Corkill, two Marshall women who will leave on a volunteer trip to Haiti Thursday, March 4. (Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

When she first heard about the earthquake, Marshall resident Angie Wells felt compelled to get involved. But with no medical training, she didn't have the skills needed for a lot of emergency response relief trips.

Then she heard about The Global Orphan Project, based out of Kansas City, which was requesting volunteers for the main purpose of interacting with orphans and displaced children in Haiti.

Wells said she thought, "That I can do. I can play with kids."

She has two young boys of her own, and is also a preschool teacher at St. Peter Catholic School.

Wells and her husband, Andrew -- who keeps a film blog on this newspaper's Web site -- are also in the process of adopting an orphan girl from Burundi. Through that network, she met Toni Corkill, also of Marshall, who was deeply affected by recent events in Haiti.

"Since the earthquake, I've just had a real heart for the Haiti people," Corkill said.

The two bonded over their desire to help the recovering nation.

"I was searching for something, and Angie knew that," Corkill said.

So, Wells approached her about The Global Orphan Project, and they decided to sign up together. At first, they hoped to leave on a trip by the end of February. Then, they were waitlisted until May. But earlier this week, they were notified of two spaces available on a trip leaving Thursday, March 4.

Despite the short notice, the women jumped at the chance to get to Haiti.

They will spend Thursday traveling and arrive in Haiti on Friday, returning home Tuesday, March 9. While there, they will stay and work in a secure compound, interacting with the children as directed.

The project's Web site outlines some of the volunteers' duties: "Our focus; to help these kids recover and rejoice again. Priorities will be: playing, singing, games, crafts, loving, hugging and holding. These children have been through so much, the simple act of loving them is just like treating a physical wound."

Wells said each volunteer is allowed two pieces of checked luggage on the trip, and the company asks that one be filled with items to leave for the children, such as clothing and toys.

For many, leaving home and families behind and traveling to an impoverished, insecure area would be unthinkable. But for Wells and Corkill, the mission outweighs the risks of the trip.

"I think it would be strange if you didn't have any butterflies about it," Corkill said, but she said the experience will make her and her relationships stronger.

Wells said, "This is something I was supposed to do," adding, "We're going to be the 10th group of 10. It's a well-oiled machine."

To go on the trip, the women are not just giving of their time. They will each pay a fee of $1,750 to cover airfare, room and board while in Haiti. When they return, Wells said, they hope to share their experiences with the community and possibly host a fundraiser for the cause.

"Our main goal is just to get the word out and get compassion flowing in Marshall," Corkill said.

Wells is accepting donations of funds for her trip expenses, as well as new or gently used items for the Haitian children. Contact her at 660-886-3675 or angelawells1@live.com.

For more information about The Global Orphan Project, visit http://theglobalorphanproject.org.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net