Photo by Beatriz_Mojica
After Tuesday’s earthquake devastated Haiti, many of us are wondering how we can help those who have been struck by this horrible tragedy. One of the most effective ways you can help with the Haitian relief effort is to donate to the American Red Cross. Here are five ways:
1. Click on the red Donate Now button on the American Red Cross website.
2. Send a $10 Donation by Texting “Haiti” to 90999. This $10 will be added to your next cell phone bill.
3. To make a donation by phone, call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).
4. If you wish to send a donation by mail, print out this form and mail to: American Red Cross, PO Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018
5. You may also contact your local American Red Cross chapter by clicking here and entering your zip code.
Haitians pull out a body from the rubble of a school that collapsed after the earthquake that rocked Port au Prince on January 12. Photo by Marco Dormino/The United Nations
Beware of anyone trying to collect donations door-to-door on behalf of even well-known charities. There are scam artists who will use this technique to fool compassionate people who genuinely want to help. If you wish to give to a charity, it is better to contact their organization directly.
Also beware of people calling to ask for your credit card information over the phone in order to aid with the relief effort. If you wish to give over the phone, look up that charity’s number and call them back after researching their organization.
In order to avoid scams, you can check the legitimacy of a charity with the Better Business Bureau.
Haitians wait in line for water distributed by Haitian firefighters near the Haitian National Palace. Photo by Marco Dormino/The United Nations
Here are some other legitimate, licensed/registered organizations that are aiding the relief effort in Haiti:
• Hands & Feet Project (Crista Ministries)
This tragedy is not just a news headline. Haitians with names, faces, children, parents and friends need our help now. Let’s all do what we can to show them love in a tangible way.
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Love this one, very simple… Send a $10 Donation by Texting “Haiti” to 90999. This $10 will be added to your next cell phone bill.