Ways to Give

The earthquake in Haiti was a terrible tragedy with far-reaching effects. I responded to the assignment that Associated Content offered to help raise money for the assistance of the Haitians because I have also suffered loss due to natural disaster (although not to such an extent). After some research, I was able to find several ways to assist the Haitian victims and survivors that are quite simple/

First, I found The Clinton/Bush Haiti Fund. Not only is there a link on this page that allows online donations, there are links to provide or receive information on survivors. For Haitian people in other countries, this website offers the ability to send financial support and check the list of survivors for any friends or relatives. Also, the list can be updated from this site, http://www.clintonfoundation.org/haitiearthquake/.

Second, I searched for the website of the American Red Cross. I found a page that not only had the normal information on general donations and blood donation, there is a video appeal for assistance for the people of Haiti. There are three links under the video that are for donating money, time or blood for the survivors. It can be reached by the following link: http://www.redcross.org/.

Third, I read the home page of the Salvation Army, and there is an option to text the word, Haiti, to the number 52000. This will donate ten dollars to the disaster relief fund that will be charged to your cellular phone bill. There is also a menu that gives information to give online, by phone or by regular mail. All of this information can be found at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf.

Fourth, I found a organization with which I was unfamiliar called Care. I am surprised to have only recently learned of it, since it started in 1945 to assist survivors of World War II. However, there are many opportunities to assist many causes through it, but it also has taken part in helping the survivors in Haiti. The page is https://my.care.org. It not only provides the chance to make donations, it informs the giver of the efforts being made by its workers.

Finally, I looked for the United Way's website, since through it, many other organizations are funded. Like the Salvation Army, there is information to allow a person to give online, by text, by mail or by telephone. It can be found by using the following link: https://volunteer.united-e-way.org/uwwwdisaster/donate/.

As a person who has received assistance from several of these organizations, I can give with every confidence that the people in need actually get the assistance you provide. I still remember the nurse who was pulling the refrigerated cart of tetanus shots from the Red Cross, the people from the Salvation Army with food and drink, and the clothing and food from the Salvation Army, as well.

This is a chance for those who cannot volunteer their time or very much money to help others. Please, spread the word. You may only be able to give ten dollars, some old clothing or an hour of time to fill boxes, but every small bit amounts to a great deal to somebody who has lost everything that was normal. Again, there are many ways to give. Please, find the best way to give for you.