Haiti Earthquake Relief Donation Options for Maine

Mainers throughout the state are looking for ways to help Haiti with their current crisis. As the Haitian death toll climbs, more and more people from Maine are jumping onto the donation bandwagon, or are looking for alternative means to help the Haitians.

Donate To The Red Cross - Donate to the Haiti Relief fund by dialing 1-800 Red Cross, mailing a donation to the American Red Cross of Southern Maine, or texting Haiti to 90999. The American Red Cross of Southern Maine's address is 2401 Congress St Portland. Each text donation is $10 and will be charged to your cellphone service provider's bill.

Donate In Church - The Roman Catholic Diocese in Portland has missionaries in Haiti currently, and the Catholic Relief Services has 300 members over there as well. Many Roman Catholic churches are passing around the collection plate specifically for Haiti. If the church you frequent is not doing so, The Cathedral Church of St Luke is holding an interfaith service 4pm on Sunday the 24th. Also St Anne's Catholic Church in Gorham is collecting. For the Jewish population of Maine, contact the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee to donate.

Donate to the Salvation Army - The Salvation Army is also taking donations, both online at www.slavationarmyusa.org or by phone - 1800 674 4391. Checks can also be mailed to the local Maine headquarters at "Haiti Earthquake" PO Box 3647 Portland Maine 04104.

Other Maine companies are also getting in on helping Haiti out. Poland Spring in Hollis, the well known bottled water company, is currently sending much needed water from Maine to Haiti. The Maine National Guard is on standby, though currently there is no deployment date. Hannaford Supermarkets has donated bottled water. For the skiers, Shawnee Peak in Bridgton is knocking $5 off the price of a lift ticket if you bring in dry foods, baby supplies or medical supplies for their Haiti Relief donation box this weekend. Wilson Moving Co is moving all donated goods to the dock of the Boston Shipyard free of charge.

Currently, Mainers are recommended to not go over to Haiti until the relief is well underway, as Haiti is currently unable to hold an inpouring of volunteers. Also keep your eye on the news for goods donations needed. Currently financial is more valuable, as monetary donations can be quickly used by those already on the ground. The news, local churches and the organizations mentioned here are excellent resources for when goods donations will be available.

Other Resources:

http://maineinsights.com/perma/governor-and-maine-legislature-express-support-for-haiti
http://www.keepmecurrent.com/article_5241ea4a-05f1-11df-a630-001cc4c002e0.html
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=310523&ac=PHnws