#Haiti needs your Relief Donations more than your Warm Embrace + Strong Back right now.

I'm seeing a lot of people on twitter trying to figure out how to get to Haiti in order to help directly.

After Hurricane Katrina, thousands of people tried to figure out how to get down here to the Gulf Coast to help out.  I understand the impulse.  You want to do something, not just give your money.

Unfortunately, in times of disaster, chaos reigns.  Those in need are better served by relief organizations that are trained in disaster response.  I hate to say it and I swear I appreciate good intentions, but the untrained can become a genuine hindrance to delivering aid, as they distract and use up resources.

I know you want to help the victims in Haiti, but your donation is needed right now more than your presence.  Please consider donating to the American Red Cross.  They helped us and the community around us so very effectively and thoroughly after Hurricane Katrina.  They have my support.  They are prepared.  Your donation will go to the best use of your resources.

Click the banner below or visit the American Red Cross to select how you would like your donation to be applied, including for domestic disaster relief.  An even easier way to donate is to text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief for Haiti. (thanks MommyTime for the reminder.)

 

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Comments

[MommyTime]

There are two texting numbers people can use to donate money in small increments and oh-so-conveniently.

1. Text "yele" to 501501 to donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund. (The $5 is charged to your regular cell phone bill.) See http://www.yele.org/ for more information.

2. Text "HAITI" to "90999" to donate $10 to the Red Cross. (website to confirm this is real: http://newsroom.redcross.org/2010/01/12/disaster-alert-earthquake-in-haiti/)

[Jendi]

Thanks for this post.
I just noticed that Pioneer Woman is donating 10 cent per comment, and commentors can nominate charities. I'm going now to nominate the Red Cross.
Here's her link: http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/2010/01/a_different_kind_of_giveaway/