After the most powerful earthquake to hit Haiti in more than 200 years, some Bullard residents have asked what assistance can be offered.

Sam Smith, a trustee on the Bullard Independent School District Board, a former Bullard High School graduate and CEO of Mercy Ships offered one way local residents can help.

“We were in contact with our partners on the ground in Haiti within two hours after the earthquake had occurred. Our Disaster Relief Mercy Team’s response is mobilizing to address both medical and non-medical relief,” he said. “We have trained personnel and the systems in place to mobilize in these situations.”

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services to those without access in the developing world.

“If people are interested in volunteering, they can give us a call,” Smith said. “If they would like to make a donation, they can give us a call of go to our Web site.”

The phone numbers to call to volunteer or donate funds is (903) 939- 7000 or (800) 773-SHIP (773-7447). The Web site is www.mercyships.org.

Organizers agree that the biggest need right now is financial support, however, volunteers are needed not just in Haiti, but in other areas badly in need of help. Smith said one of the Mercy ships will be leaving for Togo, Africa, in February. Not only are volunteers in the medical fields needed, but also needed are volunteers with construction skills, cooks, laborers and more.

“We’ve all been very blessed with skills,” Smith said. “This is a powerful way to share your blessing.”

Volunteers may do so for a few as two weeks or as much as several months.