In the midst of the worst unemployment, homelessness and economic crisis in the United States; Americans must realize there are still lives, families, and countries in worse shape than we are. After a magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked Haiti 10 miles from the capital of Port-au-Prince, millions have been devastated by the loss of loved ones; complete destruction of homes; overcrowded medical facilities; and lack of food, water, medical supplies.

In a humanitarian effort, it is important that we shift our focus to helping others in a profound need for aid. Please join Little Black Pearl Workshop by donating to one of the following relief funds.

 

 

 

 

 ·The American Red Cross is pledging an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by this earthquake. They expect to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. They are accepting donations through their International Response Fund.

·UNICEF has issued a statement that "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.

 

·Donate through Wyclef Jean's foundation, Yele Haiti. Text "Yele" to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.

 

·Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles. Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

 

·Ben Stiller's Stillerstrong campaign will be temporarily diverting all donations to support the Haiti relief effort.

 

·Partners In Health reports its Port-au-Prince clinical director , Louise Ivers, has appealed for assistance: "Port-au-Prince is devastated, lot of deaths. SOS. SOS... Temporary field hospital by us at UNDP needs supplies, pain meds, bandages. Please help us." Donate to their Haiti earthquake fund.

 

·Mercy Corps is sending a team of emergency responders to assess damage, and seek to fulfill immediate needs of quake survivors. The agency aided families after earthquakes in Peru in 2007, China and Pakistan in 2008, and Indonesia last year. Donate online, call 1-888-256-1900 or send checks to Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund; Dept NR; PO Box 2669; Portland, OR 97208.

 

·Direct Relief is committing up to $1 million in aid for the response and is coordinating with its other in-country partners and colleague organizations. Their partners in Haiti include Partners in Health, St. Damien Children's Hospital, and the Visitation Hospital, which are particularly active in emergency response.

Donate to Direct Relief online.

 

·Oxfam is rushing in teams from around the region to respond to the situation to provide clean water, shelter, sanitation and help people recover.

 Donate to Oxfam America online.

 

·International Medical Corps is assembling a team of first responders and resources to provide lifesaving medical care and other emergency services to survivors of the earthquake.

 Donate online.