Dallas-Ft. Worth Area Residents Make a Difference in the Haiti Relief Effort

The small country of Haiti was devastated Tuesday when a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck, killing many thousands, burying thousands under rubble, and leaving survivors without basic necessities like food and water and in great need of medical aid. If you live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, you can help by making a donation toward the relief efforts already underway.

Dallas-based AT&T launched a text messaging campaign to raise money for Haitians. If you are an AT&T customer, simply text HAITI to 90999 from your cell phone to make a donation to the American Red Cross. $10.00 will be added to your bill.

Kroger stores in North Texas will have coin boxes available at their checkout stands. If you prefer to write a check, be sure to make them out to the American Red Cross then simply drop it on one of the coin boxes. All donations will go to the American Red Cross to help the people of Haiti.

If you are an AAdvantage member, Ft. Worth-based American Airlines is "encouraging customers to support the American Red Cross by offering 250 AAdvantage miles" if you donate at least $50.00. If you donate $100.00, you will be given 500 miles. Their donation deadline is February 28, so act now. It's a win-win deal.

According to the WFAA website, WFAA and Tom Thumb have teamed up with the American Red Cross and has set up the Spirit of Texas Help for Haiti fund. To donate, all you have to do is go to any of the area Tom Thumb stores. "Cashier's will have 'scan cards'..." that have a barcode on them. Let them know you want to make a donation and your money will instantly be sent to the fund.

Anyone who can will be making a donation to one of the many relief organizations. Don't get taken by the numerous scams circulating. Scammers come out of the woodwork when devestation strikes. The best way to ensure your money or supplies is going to Haiti is to make sure you are donating to one of the established relief organizations - Red Cross, Unicef, Salvation Army, or International Rescue Committee, for example.