How to Donate to Victims of the Haiti Earthquake

After a 7.3 earthquake struck the country of Haiti on January 12th, 2010 just outside of Port-au-Prince many people around the world, and in America in particular, wanted to know how they could help the victims. Many people immediately started donating to organizations that were collecting money to give directly to programs that will help people in Haiti. But many other people who couldn't donate money wanted to know if they could donate food, clothing, medical supplies or blood to the victims. The following are groups and organizations that are handling every types of donation for Haiti.

Also as a warning, if you receive any unsolicited emails, fliers in the mail or phone calls asking for donations to Haiti's victims, and you aren't sure who it is, do not donate. Many scam artists have popped up in the past 2 days trying to steal money from people who think they are helping.

Money Donations

The Red Cross

The Red Cross has already released $200,000 to help Haiti immediately while also accepting donations through their website RedCross.org and using that link will take you to different options for where you want your money to go to. You can also use your cell phone to donate by texting "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief for Haiti. It will go directly on your cell phone bill. En Espanol.

UNICEF

UNICEF is accepting donations of any amount through their website to help with immediate food, water and medical supply relief in Haiti. You can donate through UNICEF's website and you will be asked first which country you are donating from before being taken to the main screen to give your information. If you are not comfortable giving your information online you can mail a check donation to the address on their website.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is taking donations through their website or by sending a text message with the word 'Haiti' to 52000 to make a $10 donation that will be charged to your cell phone bill. The Salvation Army is providing immediate food and water relief to victims with the money with clothing and bedding donations to come later.

YELE

YELE was founded by singer Wyclef Jean to help Haitian's long before this disaster hit the impoverished country but you can help get 100% of your donation to the victims in Haiti by texting "Yele" to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund and you will be charged to your cell phone bill. You can also donate through YELE's website directly.

Doctor's Without Boarders

Doctor's Without Boarders have long been a staple in Haiti to help provide medical care to the countries poorest citizens, but they need as much help as possible right now to get proper medical supplies and equipment to Haiti. You can make a donation through their website or by calling 1-888-392-0392 to donate to them directly.

Partners In Health

Partners in Health is currently accepting donations through their website to pay for medical supplies and equipment they will need in clinics in Haiti in the coming weeks. Like Doctor's Without Boarders 100% of the donations will be used for medicine, surgical equipment and medical supplies desperately needed now.

Clinton Foundation

Bill Clinton has set up a website and text program to collect donations for Haiti through his Clinton Foundation. You can either visit the Clinton Foundation website or text "HAITI" to 20222 and $10 will be donated to relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.

World Food Programme

The World Food Programme is accepting donations through its website for relief in Haiti but also to get needed food and bottled water for earthquake victims. You can donate through the WFP website whatever amount you would like and to make it easier for donors you can use a credit card, Google Checkout or Paypal to make your donation.

eBay Giving

If you are an eBay seller, or even frequent buyer through the online site, you can make a donation whether you are selling, making a purchase or neither. The best part is you can buy items that will make 100% of the final cost available to victims or donate through your PayPal account. Donate through eBay's website now.

Disasters Emergency Committee

If you are in the UK and wish to make a donation you can through DEC's website either by credit card, mailing a cheque through the mail or calling their emergency donation line at 0370 60 60 900

Food and Water

Water.org

Water.org is a great site that is accepting donations to purchase clean bottled water for Haiti victims. Before this disaster struck Haiti had a poor water supply, after the disaster many people can't get access to water that is clean or sanitary. Make a donation through their website to get clean water to Haiti.

Many communities across America are collecting bottled water to be shipped on certain dates to Haiti. A quick search on Google for the term "Water Donations to Haiti" returned many local communities collecting water and many articles about where to donate to purchase water.

Blood Donations

The Red Cross

The Red Cross has said they have just enough blood donations right now to send to Haiti for transfusions and other medical needs, but they will be critically low once those donations are sent and are asking that anyone who wants to donate do so to replenish blood banks here in the United States and around the world. Your donation will probably not go directly to Haiti if you are donating for that purpose.

Medical Supplies
A monetary donation to Doctor's Without Boarders, Partners in Health or any other organization that donates their time and money to helping in 3rd world countries will be able to buy needed medical supplies with your donations. Please contact those organizations first.

Clothing Donations

A quick search through Google under the term "Clothing Donations to Haiti" returned a list of news articles and information about where you can donate clothing for Haitian Earthquake victims. Contact the Salvation Army about donations and check online to see if anyone in your community or local church is holding a clothing drive for the victims.