Have you been reading about the tragedy and disaster in Haiti?
It truly breaks the heart.
I found an article about a family who was in the process of adopting a Haitian orphan and at the time of the article writing didn’t even know if their son was still alive.
There is so much suffering in the world that we can help with.
So much.
And not just this week with this earthquake.
If you haven’t yet, or if you can give more, MSNBC published this list of charitable organizations currently active in Haiti.
If you are at all concerned about the value of your gift going to it’s designation, you can check out ratings for various non-profits at Charity Navigator. 4 stars is the best.
If you are more creatively minded, many many bloggers, crafters and artists are using this opportunity to designate a portion of their sales to Haiti Help.
Poppytalk posted a list of shops helping Haiti
So did sfgirlbybay.
Maybe do some Valentine’s or early birthday shopping?
And finally, I just want to remind you that Haiti has ALWAYS need the help of richer countries (like the United States). They need a lot of help right now, but they will continue to need help. 6 months out. 12 months. Pretty much everything in that country needs to be rebuilt.
I’m trying to think of ways that I can make giving and volunteering a regular part of my schedule.
It’s interesting that MSNBC left “Food for the Hungry” off the list. They are based in Phoenix and had a team in Haiti when the earthquake happened. Here’s a letter from on of their team members.
http://www.fh.org/learn/news/disaster/haiti-rocked-by-powerful-quake/marlenesletter
I heard that the government in Haiti is corrupted, so be very careful which organizations you give to.
I remember how long it took for recovery after the Northridge earthquake, (a year or two) so imagine how long it will take in a poor developing country that needed lots of help beforehand.
They need our prayers as well.
stillerstrong.org