SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Over the past decade, the country of Haiti has fallen victim to a number of severe natural disasters.

But, one local church is doing its part to help citizens meet basic needs.

The Church of St. Michael—St. Peter in Syracuse hosted their annual "Benefit for Haiti" book sale.

Community members donated thousands of books to help raise money for the church's medical mission.

The church provides medical attention to their sister parish in Chauffard, Haiti.

Money is also used to support the school lunch program, teachers' pay and the construction of concrete homes.

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, so parishioners say it's important to always be willing to lend a hand.

"We can never do enough and those people, I'm aware, still suffer and they have a need for better roads and better infrastructure as they speak so often of today. So, we can't forget them," said Gerald McMahon, Church of St. Michael and St. Peter parishioner.

Missionaries from the church will travel to Haiti November 8th through the 15th.

Anyone wishing to donate can mail payments to "Haiti Fund" The Church of St. Michael & St. Peter, 4782 West Seneca Turnpike Syracuse, NY 13215 or contact Kate McMahon at (315) 492-2378.