How to help in Haiti

Day 786, 17:00 • Published in USA USA • by DeyoZero

For those who haven't heard, a major earthquake struck Haiti's capital on Tuesday, January 12. There has been an outpouring of support, and the American Red Cross, along with other relief organizations, have said that if they can get more help from us, there is much more they can do.

In the past, Haiti has been a black hole for charity. Foreign aid, hurricane relief, and children's programs sent money to Haiti, and it vanished into the corrupt government. Today, Doctors Without Borders, the Red Cross, and others are going to Haiti in person to aid those stricken by this disaster.

http://gamergeek.org/erep/haiti_field_hospital.jpg">
(Photo by Joe Raedle, Getty Images)

More donations to these organizations will mean that more skilled professionals, more modern equipment, and more vital food and medicine can reach those who desperately need it. Here are some ways you can very easily help the relief efforts in Haiti (From U.S. News and World Report).

1. Already viral on Facebook and social networking sites, the Red Cross is getting the word out about its text-message donation system. Text "HAITI" to the number 90999 to donate $10, which will be added to your next cellphone bill. You can also donate online through the Red Cross website.

2. Hospitals in Haiti are badly damaged and overwhelmed. To help medical aid workers, donate to Doctors Without Borders on its http://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=197&hbc=1&source=ADR1001E1D01">website.

3. International aid group CARE has already sent 133 staff members to Haiti, and it will be distributing food. You can donate your Delta Air Lines SkyMiles to transport CARE aid workers to Haiti or give money for relief funds through its website.

4. Louise Ivers, clinical director for Haiti for Partners in Health, wrote in an E-mail to colleagues, "Port-au-Prince is devastated, lot of deaths. SOS. SOS ... Please help us." You can donate to support Partners in Health's field hospitals on its website.

5. Today, World Vision heads to Haiti with 18 tons of supplies, including blankets, tarps, and water containers. Support World Vision by donating through its website.

6. The UNICEF representative in Haiti, Guido Cornale, told the BBC yesterday that the Haitian earthquake is one of the worst he's seen in his life. To help children in Haiti, donate via UNICEF's https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=6680&6680.donation=form1" target="_new">website.

7. Haitian-American rapper Wyclef Jean's foundation to rebuild Haiti, Yéle, is also accepting text-message donations. Text "Yele" to 501501 to donate $5, which will be added to your next phone bill. You can also donate via the Yéle Foundation's http://co.clickandpledge.com/advanced/default.aspx?wid=23093">website.

8. International Relief and Development will supply water, sanitation kits, medicines, hygiene kits, and shelter materials. You can donate to IRD on its website.

9. Oxfam already has 200 volunteers stationed in Haiti. They'll be providing clean water, shelter, and sanitation through donations on Oxfam's https://secure.oxfamamerica.org/site/Donation2?df_id=3560&3560.donation=form1" target="_new">website.

10. The Salvation Army is sending 285,120 boxed meals of rice, soy, and vitamins to Haiti. Support the Salvation Army through its https://secure20.salvationarmy.org/pages/makeDonation/usa/makeDonation.jsf" target="_new">website.

Thank you for any help you can give to those who are rushing to help the Haitian people.