“Charity is the Virtue of the Heart and not of the hand.  Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”  - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Thank you to all of you who are eager to help the victims and the relief efforts in Haiti.  Over 100,000 people have lost their lives in the earthquake, and hundreds of thousands more are suffering and are in need of rescue. This is a devastating situation for an already impoverished corner of our world.  Just as with Katrina, the first need is for financial support for medical supplies, basic necessities, temporary housing and materials.  Once the rescue and triage have quieted, there will be new ways we can help with ongoing efforts to support these stricken people. 

Bottom Line – if you are in a position to donate funds (in any amount) there are several reputable, effective organizations that will put your money to good use.

 At this point, it is important to consider supporting those established disaster relief organizations that know how to provide immediate relief and are trained in disaster response.  Their experience will help with the urgent needs now.

 A comprehensive, reputable list of vetted organizations with direct links to donate can be found here: http://www.google.com/relief/haitiearthquake/ 

The old recognized relief organizations are going to efficiently use your donation and get it where it needs to go. Some familiar organizations to support are UNICEF, CARE, SALVATION ARMY and the RED CROSS.  There is also a site - www.CharityNavigator.org to help you decide to whom to donate.  It is an independent, nonprofit organization that evaluates charity groups based on effectiveness and financial stability.  Consult them before you give.  

What is The Volunteer Center Doing?

The Volunteer Center and Interfaith Housing Center are committing donations from their special MLK DAY of SERVICE AND INSPIRATION on Monday the 18^th (please join us – Click Here.)  to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF/Haiti Relief. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is absorbing all associated administrative costs so that 100% of every dollar you give to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF will support UNICEF's relief efforts for children in Haiti.  UNICEF has been on the ground in Haiti since 1949.   UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more.   Every single penny you donate to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF right now for Haiti relief is sent directly to help with the emergency.

Responding to Requests You Receive in E-mails

You should be very wary of new organizations and you should NOT open emails or click on links asking for relief $ unless you know the sender.  The best way to help is to make the contact yourself to any of the organizations listed earlier.

 Thank you again for your generosity and stay tuned for more ways to help,

The Volunteer Center