(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- From its search and rescue team, who were one of the first responders on the island, to collecting food and other supplies and providing local assistance to our Haitian-American community, Miami-Dade County and its residents continue to show support for Haiti.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Urban Search and Rescue Team, Florida Task Force 1 members continue rescuing earthquake survivors from piles of rubble including a baby who was reunited with its family.  So far, there have been dozens of successful rescues by Florida Task Force 1 members.

Locally, Miami-Dade County is partnering with a number of organizations and municipalities to coordinate relief supply efforts.  Today, the County began working with Food for the Poor at their existing distribution sites in Haiti. The charity is sending pallets of critically needed medical items and other supplies into Haiti by air directly into Port-au-Prince and through the Dominican Republic. Contact www.foodforthepoor.org for more information on their relief efforts.

“Food for the Poor is a proven international aid organization that has successfully delivered food and supplies to Haiti,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Audrey Edmonson.  “We are proud to partner with this organization again during a time of great need for the Haitian people.”

“Miami-Dade residents have once again opened their hearts and pocketbooks,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez.  “We are working with a network of agencies and municipalities to get relief to the island of Haiti as quickly as possible.”

While cash donations are preferred, Miami-Dade County is utilizing its police and fire stations, as well as libraries, as drop off sites for the collection of specific items, including non-perishable food, water, gloves of all types, surgical masks and camping tents. No clothing or other goods please.

While most libraries are closed on Monday, January 18, 2010 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. King Day, Miami-Dade County is accepting donations today at certain libraries from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  They include Miami Beach, North Dade, South Dade, West Dade, West Kendall and Key Biscayne.

The Haitian Relief Center located at Edison/Little River Neighborhood Center continues to operate and has reunited via phone 136 members of our Haitian-American community with their families on the island, thanks to a partnership with Comcast.   The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 p.m.   For more detailed information on relief and recovery efforts, residents can call 3-1-1 or go to www.miamidade.gov.