AID TO HAITI - HOW TO HELP

The cost of processing and transporting donations is almost always greater than the cost of purchasing those goods locally. And the influx of unsolicited donations distracts relief workers on site from critical emergency response activities — feeding and sheltering the affected population. The Red Cross concentrates on feeding large groups and mostly uses food packed in institutional or bulk sizes. We recommend that canned food donation be donated to your local food bank. The Red Cross is not set up to process or distribute donations of clothing. Organizations like Goodwill, The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul can typically accept these donations in your community.

Financial contributions are the best way to help, as they:

• Support the greatest needs in the most efficient manner.
• Ensure the goods are appropriate for their needs, diet and culture.
• Allow relief workers to purchase items as close to the disaster site as possible, which minimizes transportation, processing and storage costs and stimulates the local economy.

RED CROSS

• Online at http://www.redcross.org
• Call 800-REDCROSS or 800-257-7575 (Spanish)
• Text “Haiti” to 90999 and your mobile phone will be charged $10
• Mail to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013

FUNDRAISERS

• Choir concert - A half-dozen local church choirs will give a free Sing for Haiti concert on Feb. 28, with donations going to the American Red Cross, at the Key West United Methodist Church, 600 Eaton St.