Earthquake Relief for the Haitians: What You Can Do to Contribute to Haitian Relief

The Associated Content assignment desk posted the following notice right after the massive earthquake hit Haiti:

We're donating $5 to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) for every piece of content submitted through this assignment. Claim this writing opportunity and help AC raise money towards this important cause! Your content should generate awareness for Haiti and general disaster relief, or focus on making an impact in your community via volunteering....

AC will donate $5 for up to 500 approved submissions, and will also match performance payments (at a $1.50 PPM) based on PVs (performance/page views) for the rest of the month.

I read the offered assignment and wondered what I could write. The guidelines said to express thoughts on experiences in volunteering for a charity, or in receiving aid efforts myself. I'd volunteered plenty in my life, but didn't think visiting the elderly in nursing homes, or taking Cub Scouts to day camp pertained. I'd never experienced a natural disaster the magnitude of Haiti's earthquake and had nothing to contribute there, either.

So, I let the opportunity sit for days, wishing I could accept it, but feeling like I had nothing to offer in the arena. Then it finally occurred to me that, even though I'd never been in the position that so many Haitians are in, it didn't mean I couldn't sympathize, that I couldn't pray for them, and that even though I didn't have vast riches to donate, I couldn't donate something small, from the goodness of my heart.

Yes, I know, I live in one of the richest countries in the world, and they live in the poorest. I'm white and most of the Haitians are dark-skinned. But, my blood flows the same color as theirs. I watched the news shots of that blood literally flowing in the streets and tears came to my ears. Tears that are wet, salty, and sad, like theirs. I felt heartbreak when I heard of the woman who was eight months pregnant, trapped under rock and concrete. And I rejoiced as I watched rescue workers pull her out, alive and still carrying the baby.

So this is my small effort to help with Haitian relief. Perhaps the $5 donated by AC because of my article isn't much, but when you multiply five by four-hundred and ninety-nine other authors who are writing for the same purpose, it starts to make a difference for the people of Haiti. Add to that any page view payments that AC will match, and it takes the total up a little more.

If you're like me-wanting to help the Haitians, but not knowing what do to and who to donate to-here are a few suggestions.

Donate to a religious charity with which you feel comfortable: Two good ones that come to mind are Catholic Relief Services and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Services, but you can also contact your pastor or minister for more information on what's available through your church.

If you aren't comfortable donating to a religious charity, donate to a secular one, instead: There are a number of decent charities such as The Red Cross and the International Rescue Committee. But you can go with any charity, and donate as little or as much as you're able. Just be sure you've researched it. It's sad to say, but there will be many "fake charities" popping up that will simply put your hard earned donation into their pockets.

Donate blood: The Red Cross does not currently have an emergency call out for blood, but donating is one way to insure there won't be a shortage in the near future.

Go to The Hunger Site, and click to give free food. The click costs nothing, and the food is donated by the site's sponsors. Currently, the site says that in regards to Haitian aid, "We have raised a total of $187,174.00 to date for immediate relief for medical supplies for Partners in Health." You can click on several other tabs out there that will also donate money for relief in Haiti. In addition, you can go to FreeRice.com, and take the quizzes at the site, thereby donating free rice to the hungry.

Generate Money: If money is tight and you don't have any small luxuries that you can forego to free up a little cash to donate, have a yard sale or sell a few items on eBay and donate that money to Haitian relief.

Use the Internet to find other ideas and ways to donate: The 'Net is loaded with ways to help the people of Haiti. Associated Content has numerous, excellent articles on the subject of Haitian relief, and two of my favorites are in the list of sources, below.

Once you've donated, don't forget the people of Haiti: Please, don't walk away and never give it another thought. Save your change in a jar and in a couple of months, donate again. The devastation in Haiti is so great that relief efforts will continue for a long time, and every little bit truly will help.

If you're a person who believes in the power of prayer, pray for the people of Haiti: Pray for the rescue workers to have the strength, energy and resources to do what's needed, as well. And pray for avenues to open up so that you may be of help within your own sphere.

If you feel as I do, and your heart goes out to the people of Haiti, mention this article to others: I'm donating all money that I make from it in the next several months to the Red Cross, and Associated Content is donating, as mentioned above, as well.

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Sources:

"Easy Ways to Donate to the Haitian Relief Effort," B.L. Baird, Associated Content Contributor, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2597631/easy_ways_to_donate_to_the_haitian.html?cat=48

"How You Can Help Haiti, Even if You Have No Spare Cash," Deputy Headmistress, Associated Content Contributor http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2591905/how_you_can_help_haiti_even_if_you.html?cat=47

The Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/

International Rescue Committee: http://www.theirc.org/

Embedded links as listed above.