Life can be hard for many families in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Living on just a few dollars a day means that affording even the basic necessities for life is a challenge. But for the children of Eduardo Brito School and their families, when they heard about the suffering caused by the earthquake in neighbouring Haiti there was only one possible response. Since the earthquake struck they have mobilised their community to help and have been organising collections of goods to send over the border.

The pupils have turned to their parents, tutors and other members of the community to ask for contributions of food, bottled water and toiletries. Many of the donors can afford only the basic necessities themselves, yet they are willing to share what little they have with the people of Haiti.

"You don't have to be wealthy to give to those in need," said Antonio Royo, director of the Eduardo Brito School. "You just need compassion and the will to help and to know that we are all human. Regardless of our nationality, race, colour or history we all need one another."

The supplies that have been collected will be delivered to the Good Samaritan School in Port au Prince where 1,000 homeless people are now taking shelter in the grounds.

The community surrounding the Eduardo Brito School will continue to collect further goods to help those in need.

"I have been amazed by the response of the local people to our campaign," said Royo. "It is a real inspiration to see people set aside the difficulties of their daily lives and to show compassion for people that they will in all likelihood never meet."

You too can contribute to help the victims of Haiti by calling 0844 2492129 or donate online at www.wer-uk.org/donate.