Mom Central's Five Ways to Help Haiti

The devastating earthquake that hit Haiti has turned exponentially more disastrous as the small island nation remains ill-equipped to handle such a catastrophe. The Haitian people and relief workers need as many donations as possible to handle the devastating aftermath. Here are five simple ways to immediately donate to any of these crucial causes:

1. Doctors without Borders

Another famous relief foundation has already treated 1,000 people on the ground in Haiti, but an estimated 3 million have been affected by this quake, so there remains tremendous work to be done. They have a page to donate and great suggestions on sharing the cause through badges for your blog or website.

2. UNICEF

UNICEF pledges that 100% of donations will be used to save children's lives in Haiti. UNICEF's disaster relief response, coordinated with other UN agencies and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, will focus on helping children and women, usually the most vulnerable in times of crisis. Children under 18 make up nearly 50 percent of the 10 million population of Haiti.

3. Mercy Corps

The Mercy Corps always distinguish themselves as one of the first responders when an earthquake hits. They helped out in Peru in 2007, China in 2008, Indonesia in 2009, and now they land as one of the first on the ground in Haiti. Their extensive experience can only be made more valuable by donations and funding. Their website has a place to donate and also asks users to set up their own fundraising page and encourage other to help out as well.

4. Donate from your Mobile Phone



From your mobile phone (any carrier, any rate plan) -- it's very easy:

Text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross. (U.S. State Department) or

Text "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5 to Yele Haiti. (foundation started by Wyclef Jean)

This aid goes immediately to the first responders on the ground in Haiti and will be sorely needed.


5. Oxfam America

Oxfam America has nearly 40 years of experience in disaster response. Your donation will go immediately to the most critical needs in Haiti, and they will ensure that every penny is used wisely.

Oxfam has a staff of approximately 200 people on the ground in Haiti, including a group of highly-experienced emergency specialists. This emergency team supports rescue efforts, assessing the damage and responding with public health, water and sanitation services to prevent the spread of waterborne disease. Additional emergency specialists have been dispatched from USA, UK, and Mexico today and the charity is preparing to send additional stocks.

Oxfam staffers have reported hearing cries from the streets: "Water, water, water!" Oxfam is working to provide clean water and emergency shelter to as many as 300,000 people now living homeless in this ruined city.

Donations are urgently needed to rush aid to the area – please give now.

They are already providing assistance, but need your help immediately to save more lives with clean water, temporary shelters, and sanitation equipment.


Thanks so much to Mom Central for passing along this useful information.