I've answered a number of calls in the past couple of days from people who wanted to donate food or clothing or other items to the victims of the Haiti earthquake. One woman even brought in a bottle of aspirin to accompany her cash donation. I had to tell these concerned and well-meaning donors that, sorry, but the Red Cross is not accepting "in-kind" donations. I explained each time that the cost of shipping products to Haiti and the uncertainties about transportation infrastructure in Haiti (both the airport and the seaport were knocked out of commission by the quake) made it impractical to accept in-kind donations. The potential donors were disappointed but seemed to accept my explanation.
The American Red Cross has provided detailed explanations to its chapters about the problems associated with in-kind donations. The Red Cross does ship food, clothing and other items to disaster areas, but these are bulk items palletized by manufacturers and can be handled by modern ships, airplanes, seaports and airports. A can of green beans or a box of mixed clothes cannot be efficiently shipped and tends to clog the supply line rather than expediting relief that is needed.
The Red Cross' policy is also followed by most reputable charities. Cash donations can be spent in the disaster country, bolstering the distressed local economy. Donations of products can flood the market and hurt local sellers and manufacturers. Still, I see stories of truckloads of goods being collected for earthquake victims, and I wonder whether these items will ever reach their destination.
The simplest way to make a donation to Haiti relief is via the American Red Cross' secure donation link at www.redcross.org. Donations are also being accepted at local chapters. The Wilson-Greene Red Cross office (2305-G Wellington Drive) has been open special hours this weekend to accept monetary donations for Haiti. Sunday hours are 2-4 p.m., and the office will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, which is a holiday. Donations may also be mailed to the office with "Haiti" written on the check's memo line. The response thus far has been gratifying. The need is overwhelming, but generous monetary donations and skilled, professional relief workers and trained volunteers will make a difference in this sad country.
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We were disappointed in hearing that the Red Cross only managed a whopping $2000 for the Haiti relief fund! Wow. A mere $2000!
That's less than some of these non-profits in town spend on invitations!
The American Red Cross has raised more than $100 million for Haiti relief so far. The Wilson-Greene chapter continues to receive donations from generous donors, and we are thankful for the five or six thousand we've deposited so far. We've received large donations from a number of people, and some "widow's mite" donations from others (including a $20 bill from a man who said he was unemployed and couldn't give more). I suspect none of the donations came from eyeonwilson.
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