On January 12^th, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti causing catastrophic damage and loss of life. The American Red Cross is responding to this tragic event with financial assistance, relief supplies, and personnel.  Below are some ways which you can help.

DONATIONS

• At this time, what we need the most are financial contributions – whether by check, online or by phone.  The American Red Cross and other organizations leading the efforts in Haiti most need financial gifts in order to best serve the victims.  Things like clothes are not helpful right now because there is nowhere to store them, no one to sort them, and it would be difficult to transport the items to Haiti.  One good way to turn clothes into cash is to have a garage sale and then donate the money to the relief efforts.
• People who want to help those affected by the Haitian earthquake can make a donation through their local American Red Cross chapter, at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• The Red Cross is also receiving money through a third party mobile fundraising effort sponsored by Mobile Accord. Mobile donors can text "Haiti" to 90999 to send a ten dollar donation to the Red Cross. The funds will go to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.  The $10 charge is added to your phone bill.

VOLUNTEERING

• Thank you for your interest and we understand your desire to deploy. The American Red Cross is not deploying spontaneous volunteers to Haiti. If you would like to help on a local level we encourage you to register as a local volunteer to assist us in answering phones and the additional internal work required to support an International Disaster.
• Please contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information on providing assistance.  Also listen to your local media outlets for agencies that are deploying volunteers.

SAFE AND WELL INQUIRIES

• If you are concerned about a U.S. citizen living or traveling in another country, you may call the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 for assistance.  Please be patient as there is a large volume of calls.
• Otherwise, we encourage you to continue to try to reach them via telephone, social networking sites or through a loved one outside the disaster zone. We know that telephone lines are down, so we ask that you remain patient and try again often.