Make donations of money, please

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.

This book provides context for Haiti

Repeatedly yesterday and today, as the conversation turned toward the situation in Haiti, I have recommended that my conversational partners read "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder. The book is the extraordinary story of Dr. Paul Farmer and his organization, Partners in Health, which has done remarkable work in Haiti and in other Third World countries, treating diseases thought to be incurable and caring for poor patients no one cared about. (Tracy Kidder spoke at Barton College a few years ago, promoting the book.)

Kidder, one of the most honored nonfiction writers of his generation, tells the compelling story of Paul Farmer against the bleak background of Haiti, a nation that was a basket case before this week's devastating earthquake. Kidder's descriptions sets the scene for what is happening in the news now, and his narrative provides a concise background for anyone hoping to understand Haiti's abject poverty and unbelievably harsh conditions.

And that was before the earthquake.