FOLEY - On Jan. 12, 2010, an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, lasting about 30 seconds struck Haiti. It was a few minutes before 5 p.m. local time, and people were in offices, homes and other places of work.

In that half-minute, somewhere between 217,000 and 230,000 people had been killed. Estimates say there were about 300,000 injured, and one million people were homeless.

The images of suffering triggered a great humanitarian response. From around the world, countries, groups and individuals mustered aid.

From here in Baldwin County, aid was sent. Many watched the images coming from Haiti in shock.

For Michelle Sandell of Foley, shock has turned into action. She’s planning a yard sale with the proceeds going to Haitian relief Saturday, March 6 at 7 a.m. until at the Abiding Love Fellowship Church, 17266 Baldwin County Road 26 (Michigan Ave.) in Foley. According to the church Web site, the directions are: from Highway 59, turn west on Michigan Ave (County Road 26) and continue 2.5 miles to Abiding Love Fellowship on the left.

Sandell has already gathered an impressive array of things, ranging from a computer printer to stuffed toys and kitchen bric-a-brac. She says family members will be at the church Friday, March 5 from noon to 6:30 p.m. to accept donations.

“I always wanted to be a missionary,” said Sandell seated in her Foley home, cradling her new puppy, Gracie.

“This is one way I could help,” she said.

Family responsibilities kept Sandell from becoming a missionary, (she’s the mother of Devan and Kristian) but as she says, “I never lost the desire to get out there and help.”

And Sandell has been amazed at the response. Her parents’ church, Abiding Love, donated the use of the church for the effort. Sandell attends a church in Malbis, but using the Foley church makes it more convenient for her and her family to set up.

“People have been so generous,” said Sandell.

“You just can’t see that suffering and not want to help,” said Sandell.

While some people have told her that people in Haiti have to dig themselves out, Sandell, is incredulous.

“These people need help, and they need it now,” she said.

Shoes and durable goods are especially needed, and if they are not sold at the yard sale, Sandell says they will be shipped to Haiti. A member of Abiding Love who is a native of Haiti will meet the shipment and make sure the goods get to people who need them.

“It’s going to take years for them (the people of Haiti) to get back on their feet. We as a country are so wealthy, and this is the least I can do.”

The disaster is close to members of Abiding Love Fellowship, as one of their members lost three family members during the earthquake and many more family members that lost everything they owned. “We have a heart for missions, and feel compelled to help one of our own families,” said Alan Sims, associate pastor.