As the world heard of the earthquake registering 7.0 on the Richter scale, which struck Haiti, and the images and videos started to stream in highlighting the utter destruction of the small Caribbean country, Haitian ex-pats are doing their part to raise more awareness that help is needed in a major way. "This is the time for the Diaspora … to step up,” Tweeted Wyclef. Organize drives for water, bare necessities (from sanitary napkins to toilet paper to canned goods) and send money to the organization that you feel will best provide assistance. Below are a few to choose from:
Wyclef's Yele Foundation: Text 'Yele' to 501501 to donate $5 to YELE
HAITI, and the proceeds will go to the earthquake relief. Contact them to find out if you can volunteer to assist in the organization of the relief efforts.
UNICEF: They send essentials and basic medical supplies. Already on its way to the country are 10,000 tarpaulins, 4,600 water containers,
5.5 million water-purification tablets, 556,000 oral rehydration
sachets and other supplies to meet the basic needs of up to 10,000
families. Supply shipments for an additional 20,000 families are in the
works for the coming days. Please contact 1800-4UNICEF or visit Unicef.org to find out how else you can assist.
RED Cross: "Haiti" to 90999 and a donation of $10 will be made automatically to the Red Cross relief efforts.
Habitat for Humanity: Make a donation for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that builds homes for people in need
regardless of race or religion. Visit www.habitatforhumanity.com.
World Food Programme: This organization gets food to where it is needed when emergencies strike. They have a staff on the ground and are ready to provide relief. Visit www.wfp.org/lateshow to make a donation.
To find out about relatives: Call (888) 407-4747.
Note: As we donate, please be aware of scammers claiming to seek funds for Haiti when they are only seeking funds for their pockets. According to the FBI, there are plenty of online scams occurring, so only make donations directly on the site of the organization you have faith in.
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