Devastation in Haiti: How Can We Help?

Issue: February 2010 by in Cover Story, Inside The Magazine, Non-Profit

Piles of bodies in the streets. Children being pulled from the rubble. Desperate, grieving families now in need of basics like food and water. They are images that conjure up nightmarish memories of both Hurricane Katrina and 9/11, only this latest tragedy is thousands of miles away and is perhaps even more profound and devastating. By now, it’s no secret: On January 12, Haiti was crippled by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake that originated 16 miles west from Haiti’s capital of Port-Au-Prince. At press time, more than 200,000 were confirmed dead and thousands more were missing. Another estimated 250,000 were injured and 1.5 million left homeless, according to European Commission analysts.

In situations like these, Americans often show compassion by doing what we do best – we step up and give big. This situation is already proving to be no different, with millions already donated. Actually getting the support to the starving and hurt people of Haiti, however, proved to be the greater challenge in the weeks that followed the quake. Now, as we are continually faced with a flood of gut-wrenching images, our country’s heartbeat has become united for these people, as one question is asked over and over: “How can we help?”

If you have not already found a charity to donate to or volunteer at in order to aid the relief efforts in Haiti, read below for a brief list of local and national charities to learn how to give.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross was among the first to reach communities impacted by the earthquake with first aid and supplies, with more than 100 tons of Red Cross aid arriving there in the first week. By texting “Haiti” 90999, you can donate $10 to the relief efforts. As of January 15, just three days after the quake, Americans had already “texted” more than $8 million for Haiti relief. For additional ways to give, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-435-7669).

Gleaning for the World (GFTW)

Gleaning for the World, Inc., based in Concord, VA, was among the first in our area to respond to the Haiti tragedy by sending supplies. Though it’s now been a month since the quake, their part in the relief efforts is still as intense as they were on Day 1.

“This is going to be long-term effort, so we are anticipating this to be going on for several more weeks,” Ishmael LaBiosa, Communication Director at GFTW said.

GFTW is eager to partner with any company wishing to donate products and supplies. The following items can be dropped off at Gleaning for the World in Concord or at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg:

  • Medical and surgical supplies
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • First aid kits, bandages and Hydrogen peroxide
  • Diapers, baby wipes, formula, food and bottles
  • Non-perishable food items (easy to open)
  • Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and shampoo
  • Feminine products
  • New clothing and shoes
  • Furniture

LaBiosa says that they are also still looking for more local companies to step up with partnerships to hold a drive, be a collection drop-point or give monetarily. He points out that every dollar donated to GFTW is multiplied 72 times because of their efficiency.

“People ask, ‘What’s better to give: the money or the supplies?’ They are both equal in my mind. Give whatever your heart is telling you to give,” LaBiosa said.

To contact GFTW or to donate, visit www.gftw.org or www.distasternetwork.org.

Kroger

Give your spare change or add any amount to your next grocery bill at all local Kroger stores. All contributions will be donated to the American Red Cross International Response Fund designated for Haitian Earthquake Relief.

Lynchburg District United Methodist Church

Just days after the quake, thousands of volunteers participated in the “100,000 Meals for Haiti” event sponsored by the Lynchburg District’s 92 United Methodist Churches and “Stop Hunger Now,” resulting in more than 210,000 packaged meals. Because United Methodists have had a long-standing relationship with Haiti through the Methodist Church of Haiti, these strong ties helped in facilitating the opening of The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Haiti field office in 2005. All donations made go to support relief efforts in Haiti. To give, visit www.lynchburgdistrictumc.org.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is currently sending supplies to assist in the relief efforts in Haiti and has already dedicated $50,000 in direct aid to the country. However, it is in need of additional donations. Locally, WDBJ7, Berglund Automotive, Carilion Clinic, Hometown Bank, and Hardees have pledged to match the first $10,000 our community donates to the Salvation Army’s Haitian Disaster Fund.  Contributions go directly to the Salvation Army for disaster relief and are tax-deductible. To donate, visit www.wdbj7.com and click on the “Hometown Help for Haiti” or  log onto www.salvationarmyusa.org and click on the “Earthquake Relief for Haiti” icon. You may also call in a donation at 1-800-SAL-ARMY or text “Haiti” to 52000 to donate $10.

Stop Hunger Now, Lynchburg District Office

Stop Hunger Now is an international hunger relief organization that coordinates the distribution of food and other life-saving aid around the world. Right now, Stop Hunger Now is coordinating a massive effort to assist the earthquake victims. Help by stopping by the Lynchburg chapter on Odd Fellows Road to donate money or volunteer to package food. To donate online, visit www.stophungernow.org.

World Help, Spirit FM and God’s Pit Crew

World Help, Spirit FM and God’s Pit Crew are teaming up for an emergency “Help Haiti Now” project. World Help has a long history of helping the people of Haiti. In fact, two containers with $2.5 million worth of medical supplies, medicine and shoes arrived at the wharf in Port-Au-Prince a week after the quake., but many more will be needed to help restore the people of Haiti.

Items needed include bottled water and ready-to-eat food. More company sponsors are also sought to act as drop-off points for donations. Right now, local collection points include:

  • Forest Elementary School
    1 Scholar Lane, Forest, VA
  • Spirit FM
    22226 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, VA
  • World Help Warehouse
    1148 Corporate Park Drive, Forest, VA
  • God’s Pit Crew Warehouse
    2499 North Main Street, Danville, VA

Monetary donations are also needed. Funds are being used to ship and distribute much-needed food, water and medicine, set-up temporary hospitals and emergency food centers, and provide immediate help to orphans.

“We’ve identified 400 new orphans and we are trying to find sponsors for them. They need immediate help – shelter, food and clothing. We are trying to raise $100,000 for them right now,” Noel Yeatts, Vice President of World Help, said.

Visit www.worldhelp.net/haiti to make an instant donation or call World Help at (434) 525-4657 for ways to lend support.

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