New Yorkers desperate to help Haiti in the wake of Tuesday’s devastating earthquake have plenty of ways to help:
The American Red Cross is pledging an initial $200,000 to help in Haiti by providing food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. To donate to their disaster relief effort, go online or text “HAITI” to “90999” and a $10 donation will be added automatically to your phone bill.
Musician Wyclef Jean, who flew to his home country of Haiti immediately following the earthquake, flooded the Internet with requests for donations through his YELE Foundation. To donate, go to their Web site at yele.org or text “YELE” to “501501” and a $5 charge will be automatically added to your phone bill.
“Your money will help with relief efforts. They need our help – please help if you can,” Jean wrote to followers.
UNICEF is taking up a Haiti earthquake relief fund online at www.unicefusa.org/haitiquake or at 1-800-4UNICEF.
The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York is accepting donations and re-routing them to established aid groups. You can donate by calling 311 or going to their Web site. Over 12,000 people had donated by 11 a.m. this morning, Bloomberg said.
To find out about family members in Haiti, call the State Department’s operations center at 1-888-407-4747 or go to state.gov. As of Wednesday afternoon, the government agency is only taking calls on U.S. Citizens missing in Haiti, according to their Web site.
