The events occurring in Haiti are devastating. Now that we are able to witness events in real time via Twitter and YouTube we are able see more, hear more, and experience so much more immediately.  In the wake of something so tragic, the first question most of us ask is: how can I help?

President Obama has promised $100 million for the relief effort and pledged to stand by Haiti. In addition to the government’s reaction, I am particularly proud of the response from the nonprofit sector. Nonprofits are stepping forward with timely action, resources, compassion, and humanity.

For those who are looking for a way to help, here are some local organizations that are taking action, many of which are invoking quick and creative solutions to giving:

American Red Cross provides immediate relief and long-term support to those in need. Today they released $10 million for earthquake relief to Haiti. You can make a donation on their website or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donors can designate their gifts to Haiti relief. Alternatively, you can text “Haiti” to 90999 on your cell phone to send $10 donation to support the relief efforts in Haiti.

Medical Teams International is a local Christian faith-based organization that provides expert medical care to people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world. MTI is sending two disaster relief teams to Haiti this week. The team will be carrying medicines and orthopedic supplies, enough to help 12,000 people for a week. Donate to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake Relief online.

Mercy Corps delivers life-saving aid to communities hard hit. On their site, you can build your own Haiti Fundraising Page to share with your friends, family, and coworkers and encourage them to participate in fundraising relief effort. In addition, Amazon has added a box on its home page that customers can click to donate to the Haiti relief efforts of Mercy Corps.

Mobile Giving Foundation, a Bellevue-based nonprofit that helps other nonprofit organizations receive donations through text messaging campaigns, has reported raising more than $375,000 through its texting efforts. By accessing their website you can get the keyword and codes for giving to a handful of organizations that are aiding Haiti.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision is sending 18 metric tons of life-saving supplies to Haiti and plans to distribute first-aid kits, basic materials, and water. The organization has been working in Haiti for 30 years and has more than 370 staff based in Port-au-Prince.  Donate online.

World Concern is a Christian humanitarian organization that focuses on sustainable development for the poor in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It has had operations in Haiti for 31 years with over 100 staff. They are bringing relief with clean water, food, bedding, and shelter and are reuniting children with parents. You can contribute online or access updates through their Facebook and Twitter

This list is by no means exhaustive. Clay Holtzman of the Puget Sound Business Journal has compiled a larger list that you can access online.  If you have knowledge of other organizations providing relief efforts to Haiti, please share them on this blog.  Additionally, because emergency relief efforts tend to bring out new and creative ways for giving, we welcome any examples or references as well.

The Collins Group would like to extend our gratitude to the many amazing organizations mobilizing aid for Haiti. We are proud to be part of the nonprofit sector and are humbled by your work.

Filed under: Uncategorized by Lara Littlefield on January 15, 2010