Islanders have been touched by the plight of victims of the Haiti earthquake disaster.

Already close to £150 has been donated at Oxfam in High Street, Sheerness, since the earthquake struck on January 12, approximately 10 miles from the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

Sheerness Oxfam shop manager Mick Constable said: “People have been very generous. It’s heartbreaking to see some of the pictures that are coming out of Haiti as the rescue operation progresses.

“Money given to Oxfam is specifically ring fenced for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal and it will only be used for that purpose.

“We’ve also had people bringing in clothing and other items to be sold specifically for this appeal.”

Mick and two shop volunteers Stacey Brown and Tami Butcher spent an hour at Sheerness clock tower on Monday, where they collected at least £25, which included a donation of £20 from one person.

Oxfam, which lost a member of staff in the quake, is managing to get aid through despite the challenging circumstances.

Penny Lawrence, Oxfam’s international director, said: “This is a nightmare for survivors and aid workers alike. The airport is near ruined, communications fractured and people are traumatised and in great need.”

The charity’s staff in Haiti have providing shovels and picks for local civil workers to clear rubble to search for trapped victims in Port-au-Prince.

And from its Oxford warehouse, Oxfam is flying out up to 10 tonnes of water, sanitation, health and shelter equipment to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Oxfam is linking with the UN and other aid agencies on the ground to try to get food and water in place for the thousands of survivors.

• Pop into the Oxfam shop in High Street, Sheerness, to make a donation.