SPARTA independant — On Nov. 18, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Sparta presented a $5000 check to Rachael Paulson of HOW Global for a clean water project in Lascahobas, Haiti.

The presentation was the culmination of St. Mary’s year-long “Pennies for Water” campaign.

Hundreds of water bottles were given out at events in Sparta throughout the spring and summer including the Girls on the Run 5K, Sparta Day, the July 4th parade, and the Pass-it-along triathlon.

The community-wide effort brought together classrooms in the Sparta school district, scout troops and local businesses that served as penny collection points, including Sparta Books, Cloveberry, Wellness Pediatrics, Mohawk Gardens, Black Bear Fitness and The Fit Experience.

All the money raised will go directly to the people of Haiti, and bring clean water to the Lascahobas village. “I am thrilled with the energy and excitement that went in to this campaign,” said Rachael Paulson, Sparta resident and the Founder of Hands on the World (HOW) Global. “It was great to see this local effort and the support from our community to another that is in such need.”

Lascahobas, like so many villages in Haiti, was devastated by the earthquake in 2010. “The world is a place of such infinite need,” said St. Mary’s parishioner and project leader, Al Vonderahe, “It’s good to raise awareness and provide some support when you can.”

Paulson will be traveling to Haiti in December to continue HOW Global’s work in Lascahobas.