Tuesday’s 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the island nation of Haiti has left the country in a desperate state. The force of the quake was so strong that it was felt in nearby Dominican Republic and in Cuba, nearly 200 miles away. According to the Red Cross, the quake affected roughly 3 million people, about a third of Haiti’s population. Leaving people throughout the capital city and in nearby suburbs homeless, wounded, without resources, or trapped under rubble. Night falls at approximately six-o’clock in the evening in Haiti, leaving a small window for successful rescue throughout the day. President Obama and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton have both revised their agendas to respond to the needs of the Haitian People. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the next 24 hours "critical to save those lives that can be saved" and said the United States was "moving as quickly as possible." (-CNN). As USAID, the Red Cross and rescue teams from around the U.S and the world begin to land on the shores of the devastated island in the upcoming hours; the needs of the people will be met.
I am sure that many of you are searching for effective ways to contribute to the crisis. To avoid, additional chaos the Red Cross is not accepting many new volunteers to report to the relief efforts. Furthermore, volunteers with medical, disaster relief, and engineering experience are preferred over all others. At this time, your efforts would be most effective in the forms of monetary contributions. Please look below for a list of organizations to donate to. Remember every dollar helps, the Red Cross in one day raised 1.2 million dollars in text message donations. During these difficult times we can lend our support to Haiti as they struggle to rebuild a society, and hopefully a nation.
For those interesting in helping immediately:
Simply text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross’ relief efforts, the cost will be charged to your cell phone bill.
You can also text “yele” to 501501 and a donation of $5.00 will be given automatically to the relief efforts of Wyclef Jean’s organization, Yélé Haiti (www.yele.org)
Listed Alphabetically Below, Organizations that you can make contributions to (MSN.COM):
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American Red Cross, 800-733-2767
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Doctors Without Borders, 888-392-0392
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Feed My Starving Children, 763-504-2919
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Food for the Poor, 800-427-9104
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Operation USA, 800-678-7255
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Samaritan's Purse, 828-262-1980
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Save the Children, 800-728-3843
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UNICEF, 800-367-5437
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Yele Haiti, 212-352-0552
Wyclef Jean's grassroots org
Text Yele to 501 501 to donate $5 via your cell phone
Ashliedarrel
said:
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... Another great way to help is to see if your company will match your donations to various organizations, or throw a party, and ask you friends to donate canned goods, clothing, water, or money! |
