How Indianapolis Citizens Can Donate to Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts

Even though we were safe at home, far away from Haiti when the earthquake struck, the tragedy resonated deep within our hearts. As parents of a child adopted from another country, we felt for all those affected by the earthquake - but particularly for the babies and children who were newly orphaned or waiting for adoptive families. They are among the most vulnerable and helpless. I wrote about that here .

Meanwhile - like so many communities - Indianapolis has stepped up to help provide aid to Haiti's earthquake survivors. Large organizations, including the Indianapolis Colts and Eli Lilly have donated thousands for Haiti's relief efforts. Individual children and groups of students have also started taking up collections for Haiti's earthquake victims.

According to WTHR in Indianapolis, a student at the Indiana School for the Blind is raising money to help Haiti, just one of many students across the city - as well as the state of Indiana - who feel compelled to help. Our family is dividing donations between the International Rescue Committee and Bethany Christian Services, both organizations working to support relief efforts in Haiti.

Bethany Christian Services, Haiti's Orphans and Adoptions - How Indianapolis Citizens Can Help

Because we used Bethany Christian Services for an adoption, I feel compelled to start with them. Based on our own experiences with an international adoption, we saw how Bethany not only expedited our adoption but also worked to help poor or struggling families stay together. Because of this, we strongly support their Haiti Relief and Recovery Program, found here . Funds will not only go to the orphans already under Bethany's care for the newly orphaned children. We like the fact that Bethany has a proven track record in Haiti, a strong adoption program and also works to support families and communities in devastated areas.

If and when the newest orphans, those who have lost parents in the Haitian earthquake, are released for adoption, Bethany will be among the agencies which keeps interested families informed of the requirements for adopting babies and children from Haiti. Of course, Bethany wants to keep families together (a priority) so funds will be used for counseling, helping Haitians deal with trauma and losses and trying to make sure that children are placed in orphanages only as a last resort.

One final reason we like Bethany? The State Department has asked for assistance from Bethany, a strong endorsement of the agency. Until it can be determined if babies and children from Haiti are true orphans, efforts will be made to find foster families for them.

Donations can be made at the link given above. Those living in Indianapolis can also contact the local Bethany office or visit the Indiana website here . The local phone number is (317) 578-5000. Families interested in adoption information or adopting an orphan from Haiti can contact Bethany Christian Services about the current status and may be put on a waiting list.

Westlane Middle School in Indianapolis will Raise Funds for Haiti and Earthquake Victims

As part of the community, we are very familiar with Westlane Middle School and have supported numerous fundraising events at the school. The Haitian relief effort, known as Hope and Love for Haiti, has encouraged students to brainstorm various ways to raise money for Haiti.

They have sold bracelets and encouraged parents and others to donate to the Red Cross. Information about their efforts can be seen here . At least $3700 has been raised so far, with a goal of $10,000. To donate money to Haiti, checks made to the Red Cross can be mailed to Westlane at 1301 W. 73rd Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260. Alternately, for those living near the school, funds can be raised by stopping in and buying buttons, bracelets and other items sold by the students. Contact Westlane at (317) 259-5412 for information on upcoming events.

Indiana's Salvation Army Also Helps Haitian Earthquake Survivors

Updates on the Indiana Salvation Army's work in Haiti can be found here . Recent news at the site indicates that the situation in Haiti is still desperate and the need for help is great. To donate, text "Haiti" to 52000 to make a $10 donation through the Salvation Army. Meal kits are being distributed as well as purified water. Medical assistance is also being provided. To contact the Salvation Army's Divisional Headquarters, phone (317) 937-7000.

Sources:

Bethany Christian Services: http://www.bethany.org/indiana
Blind Student from Haiti Organizes Donation Drive, Jan. 21, WTHR, here
International Rescue Committee: http://www.theirc.org/
Westlane Middle School, 1301 W. 73rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Salvation Army Indiana, http://salvationarmyindiana.org/