How to Donate for Haiti Earthquake Victims
The American Red Cross is contributing an initial $1 million from its International Response Fund to support the relief operation in Haiti following Tuesday’s massive earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale.
The earthquake struck near the capital of Port au Prince where government offices and hospitals have sustained major damage. Many areas remain inaccessible as roads are covered with debris and bridges have collapsed. Telephone lines and electricity are still out in many places. The next 48 hours are critical for life-saving operations such as search and rescue and first aid.
People who want to help those affected by the Haitian earthquake can make a donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund at Redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Alternatively you may also make your donation at the Heart of Tennessee Red Cross Chapter located at 836 Commercial Ct, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.
The Red Cross is also receiving money through a third party mobile fundraising effort sponsored by Mobile Accord. Mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to send a ten dollar donation to the Red Cross. The funds will go to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
The American Red Cross has a 15-person office in Haiti focused year-round on HIV/AIDS education and disaster preparedness. We have had limited contact with our staff in Haiti, but do know that they are safe and responding to the survivors’ needs.
In addition to the staff already on the ground, the American Red Cross is also deploying six disaster management specialists to the disaster zone to help coordinate relief.
If your loved one has citizenship in Haiti, please be patient and continue to call or contact other family members who live nearby. If you’re trying to reach a U.S. citizen living or traveling in Haiti, you should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1- 888-407-4747.
You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.
