Convoy of Hope responds to Haiti earthquake

Convoy of Hope was able to quickly respond to the earthquake that hit Haiti on Saturday.

The Springfield-based humanitarian relief organization's warehouse in Haiti was not damaged by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake, according to a news release. In partnership with Texas-based Mission of Hope, Convoy initially plans to distribute 1 million meals to those impacted by the earthquake, as well as hygiene kits and sheltering supplies.

“As soon as the earthquake hit in Haiti … our team both at our headquarters and on the ground began working to figure out exactly what happened, what the needs are and how we can assist moving forward,” said Ryan Grabill, international response director at Convoy of Hope, in the release.

At least 1,297 people have died from the earthquake, which destroyed homes, churches and schools and overwhelmed some hospitals, according to a report by BBC News.

Convoy of Hope has had a presence in Haiti since 2007, when the organization began providing food for children. Its program expanded after the 2010 earthquake in the country, according to the release.

Now, Convoy feeds 104,307 Haitian children at nearly 500 program centers in partnership with Mission of Hope.