One week ago today, Haiti was struck by a earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale. The earthquake hit near Haiti's capital city of Port-au-Prince. According to CNN, nearly 70,000 people have died as a result of the quake, with an estimated three million more people desperately in need of food, supplies, medical attention, and shelter.
An earthquake of this size would paralyze even the largest of cities, but in the Port-au-Prince area many residents were already struggling with poverty. For those wondering how they can help with the Haitian relief effort, the following provides a few ideas.
Give Online
Several websites and community organizations have set up special funds for Haitian relief. Many make it very easy for people to give money for this cause simply by logging on and making a credit card donation.
Organizations especially focused on the children of Haiti are:
- World Vision (worldvision.org) is a Christian charity organization in operation since 1950. They work to help children and families struggling with poverty in nearly 100 countries.
- UNICEF (unicefusa.org) helps provide kids around the world (in 150 countries) with clean water and nutrition, as well as medical care and education.
- Heifer (heifer.org) has many long-term ongoing relief efforts in Haiti, and any money raised will go toward the recovery and building effort. Money donated will help the organization recover the losses brought on by the earthquake so they can continue working with the Haitian hungry and poor.
- CARE (care.org) has over one hundred workers in Haiti passing out water packets and food. They have established the Haiti Emergency Response Fund and hope to raise $10 million over the next several years to help rebuild the area.
- The American Red Cross (redcross.org) is perhaps the best known charity organization in the world, in part due to its reputation as a first responder to emergency situations. First founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the Red Cross has relieved suffering through donations, blood drives, and their many volunteers. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to donate time or money.
Airline Miles
Many airline companies are working with consumers to donate money. Some will take unused miles or points and turn them into a cash donation for Haitian relief. Others, like American Airlines, offer miles in their points program in exchange for a monetary donation. American Airlines, for example, will give consumers 250 miles for a $50 donation to the American Red Cross.
Text Message
U.S. cell phone users can donate money by sending a text message. Text the word "Haiti" to the number 90999. This text will cost users $10, which will get tacked on to the user's monthly cell phone bill. Those interested in this type of donation should contact their carrier to determine if any other texting charges will apply.
Company Matches
Many large U.S. corporations are matching donations made by their employees. Workers should check with their human resources department to see if this incentive is in place at their organization.
Many of these ideas for Haitian relief are easily accomplished by logging on to a website or making a phone call. These are but a few of the many opportunities to take part in the aid effort for Haiti. It is a simple process to get involved and make a difference for people struggling due to this devastating natural event.
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
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