Donate to Relief Efforts in Haiti

In the wake of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti Tuesday, the US State Department advises that immediate aid should be in donation form.  Travel to Haiti (especially its ravaged capital, Port-au-Prince) is very difficult, so it’s best to donate to groups that are already on the ground working in the region.  Even $5 dollars would help greatly.  Here is a list (based on USAToday’s) of trusted charitable groups with details on how to give today:

**NOTES: If a site below is overloaded, please try again.  The scale of this tragedy has caused millions to respond.  Also, those looking for lost relatives in Haiti are advised to call (888) 407-4747, a line set up by the State Department.  The official Twitter topic for the Haitian earthquake is #Haiti.

American Red Cross
The Red Cross has already committed $1 million in immediate aid to Haiti.  Please join them.  The link above leads to their homepage, from where you can donate money, time or blood.

Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.  Donate from the home page of their website by clicking the link above.

UNICEF
You can text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts from your mobile phone.  The charge will appear on your next phone bill.  (I’ve done this myself and have researched that it is safe.) Or, you may click the link above, which allows you to donate specifically to the UNICEF Children’s Fund.  Thousands of children have lost loved ones or are facing critical injuries today.

Yele
Musician Wyclef Jean, a native of Haiti, began this group to inspire change in Haiti– promoting education, sports, the arts and environmental responsibility.  Either visit their website through the link above, or text “YELE” to 501501 for a $5 contribution.

Please also feel free to add any other charitable groups by Commenting on this entry below.  Thank you.