Earthquake in Haiti: How New Yorkers Can Help

January 18, 2010

Donate

To help the victims of countless crises around the world each year, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, we ask New Yorkers to donate online to the International Response Fund. This fund is used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Donation Options:

-To donate online, click here

-Call 1-800-733-2767 (or 1-800-257-7575 in Spanish)

-Text “HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti

-Mail Checks to: American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013

Volunteer

International disaster responses are typically supported by each country’s local Red Cross society and International Red Cross delegates; therefore, we are not recruiting New York volunteers to travel to Haiti. However, those wishing to join the American Red Cross in Greater New York’s corps of disaster volunteers that serve on local and national relief operations are encouraged to complete a volunteer application at www.nyredcross.org/volunteer. As we position ourselves to include prospective volunteers in our efforts to support the people of Haiti, you may experience longer waiting periods as you seek to register for an upcoming Reserve Institute program. Please continue to check our website for opportunities to volunteer.

Blood Services

The American Red Cross is responding to this tragic event with financial assistance. At this time, no specific request has been made by the Haitian government for the Red Cross to provide blood or blood products to support treatment of the victims of the earthquake. However, the Red Cross is shipping blood products at the request of the UN Mission in Haiti as well as for some patients who have been moved to a hospital in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The American Red Cross Blood Services is meeting the needs of this tragedy through current supplies. At this time, we do not anticipate the need for a special donor appeal to support our efforts. As always, blood donors are encouraged to call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit us online at redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

Donating Clothes, Food and Supplies

If you are an individual or community group who would like to make a product donation (such as clothing, hygiene products, medicine or food), please understand, though your generosity is sincerely appreciated, the American Red Cross cannot accept this type of donation.

Though unsolicited offers of goods and services from individuals and community groups are well intentioned, they have hidden costs and pose a number of complications for relief efforts. For these reasons, the American Red Cross is unable to accept any large collections of items, such as clothing, hygiene items, furniture, toys, blankets, canned goods, or medicine. We are also unable to accept small individual donations of these items. Please consider making a financial contribution instead, which allows us to support the earthquake relief efforts in the most efficient manner.

Media/PSA Support

The generosity of donors is enabling the American Red Cross to provide immediate relief to the people in Haiti. This support not only provides for immediate relief, it allows for providing the millions of people affected by this disaster with the Red Cross resources, support and training that will help them thrive for the years to come. Similar to the Red Cross’ 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami relief operation, the situation in Haiti will require a long and sustained effort that necessitates the continued support of New Yorkers. Toward that end, the American Red Cross needs your help in reaching the people of Greater New York with this vital message. Your donation of advertising time and/or space will greatly facilitate accomplishing this important goal. To obtain our current “Haiti Relief” radio, web banner, television, print or outdoor public service announcements call 212 875-2136 or e-mail mediarelations@nyredcross.org. Thank you in advance for your support.

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