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I am sure you have heard about the devestation in Haiti after the eartquake this past weekend. I was sent some information that I felt everyone would be interested in.
All the best,
Leon Gaumond Jr.
Town Administrator
American Red Cross Rushing Aid to Help Communities Affected by Earthquake in Haiti
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 — The American Red Cross continues to rush aid to Haiti in support of the massive relief effort underway in response to yesterday’s devastating earthquake.
“With daylight upon us, reports indicate widespread damage in Port au Prince, with continuing aftershocks,” says Nicole Valentine, spokesperson for the American Red Cross of Central MA. “Our colleagues in Haiti are seeing immediate need for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. The Red Cross is concentrating our efforts to expedite the delivery of these items to Haiti, as well as the funds needed to support this massive relief effort.”
In addition to committing an initial $1,000,000 to the effort, the American Red Cross has made available all of the relief supplies from its warehouse in Panama which would provide for basic needs for approximately 5,000 families. Six disaster management specialists have deployed to Haiti, joining a group of highly trained volunteers and staff who are already working on scene.
The American Red Cross is not accepting volunteers to travel to Haiti, and encourage those who would like to help to consider volunteer at the local level.
“At this time, what we need the most are financial contributions – whether by check, online or by phone,” Valentine stated. “Items such as clothes and shoes 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. A financial contribution will allow the Red Cross to focus our funds on the direct needs of those impacted by the devastating earthquake.”
Safe and Well Inquiries
For inquiries about relatives living and who have citizenship in Haiti, please be patient and call repeatedly until the lines clear or contact other family members who live nearby. Telephone, Internet and other communication lines are often disrupted in times of disaster. People trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Haiti should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or 202-647-5225.
How to Help:
You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the 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 to the International Response Fund can be sent to the American Red Cross, International Relief Fund, 2000 Century Drive, Worcester, MA 01606 or online at www.redcrossworcester.org. In addition, donors may
text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts.
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