UPDATED: Convoy of Hope increases efforts in Haiti

A Springfield nonprofit is increasing its assistance efforts in Haiti following a 7.0-magnitude earthquake that has left thousands dead or missing.

Convoy of Hope is establishing an emergency command center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, to distribute food, water and supplies to earthquake victims.

Initial reports, according to a Convoy news release, indicate that numerous buildings, homes and walls toppled during the earthquake in the country of 10 million people. Convoy calls Haiti the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with many residents living "in abject poverty."

Convoy has worked in the country for several years, currently feeding 7,000 children there daily.

"Our Haiti country director is on the ground, and we are working closely with our partners to check on the children we feed and also to assist victims with immediate needs," Convoy founder and President Hal Donaldson said in the release. "In the next few days several more containers filled with relief supplies will be prepared and immediately shipped to Haiti."

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that at least 150 United Nations staff workers are missing after the earthquake, which the report called the country's worst in more than 200 years.

For people or businesses interested in helping, Convoy takes donations through its Web site.

Great Southern Bank is also assisting Convoy's Haitian efforts with the creation of the Convoy of Hope - Haiti Relief Fund.

The fund allows anyone to donate money at any of Great Southern's 72 banking locations in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. Proceeds will be donated to Convoy's work in Haiti.[[In-content Ad]]