Haitian Earthquake Relief

South Mississippi January 13, 2010 — The American Red Cross has committed one million dollars to the relief efforts in Haiti following yesterday’s deadly earthquake. You too can help the mission by texting “HAITI” to “90999”. Every text will provide $10 to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts. 

 

You may also give to American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Donations can be sent to the American Red Cross P.O.Box 37243 Washington, D.C. 20013, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or going to www.redcross.org.

 

“At this time, the organizations leading the efforts in Haiti 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. One good way to turn clothes into cash is to have a garage sale and then donate the money to the relief efforts,” says Paige Roberts, American Red Cross spokesperson.

 

Local chapters are offering emotional care assistance to anyone searching for loved ones in Haiti. The best way for people to locate someone in the affected area is by calling the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 for assistance or by using social networking sites.

 

The South Mississippi chapters can be reached at the following numbers:

 

MS Gulf Coast Chapter: 228-896-4511

Southeast MS Chapter: 228-762-2455

South Central MS Chapter: 601-582-8151

Pine Belt Chapter: 601-426-9071