Ways You Can Help Haiti

I'm sure all of us have been feeling heartbroken over what's happened in Haiti. I can't help but think why this kind of catastrophe happens to the most unfortunate, poor souls? I’ve looked at some of the devastating images from Haiti and know that something has to be done now, tomorrow and the months following b/c it will take them a long time to come back from something like this. I still hold fast to my motto that “everything happens for a reason” and I have hope that in the end, although the loss of life is upsetting, Haiti will make it through, stronger than before.


Below I’ve included a list of some of the local organizations that you can contribute to and help make a difference:
*Yele Haiti - Wyclef Jean's grassroots org. Text Yele to 501 501 or visit http://www.yele.org/ to donate $5 via your cellphone. I follow him on Twitter and literally he's been spending his time helping move dead bodies - I can't even imagine.
*Food For The Poor: www.foodforthepoor.org/HaitiQuake - I know the Executive Director of this organization and he's been helping to feed Haiti for many years. His name is Angel Aloma and he was one of my high school teachers who's had the biggest impact on me.
*Hope for Haiti - Stands ready to send doctors, nurses, medical supplies and equipment. Click or call (239) 434-7183.
*Operation Helping Hands: http://www.iwant2help.org/
*UNICEF - Venerable agency focuses on the youngest victims, pledging that every dollar will go to aid. Click or call (800) 367-5437.
*Power 96 - Has partnered with the Red Cross to help bring supplies and donations to the people of Haiti. http://power96.com/store/
*Hooters at CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, 305-442-6004, is accepting money for the American Red Cross. Donors are entered into a drawing for two tickets to the Hooters Super Bowl Party on South Beach. Winners will be drawn Sunday night at closing time.
*The City of Miami has set up temporary drop-off locations at all City of Miami Fire Department and City of Miami Net Offices to collect donations during the next week for the relief effort in Haiti. They are accepting all nonperishable food, water, medical supplies and medications that do not have expiration dates. For more information call 305-960-4660.
*Miami Beach: A Haiti relief truck will be parked at First Street and Alton Road through Saturday evening. Suggested items include tents, tarps, flashlights, lighters, first-aid supplies, diapers, soap and tab-top canned goods. Call Dirk DeSouza, 305-710-3829.
*Miami HEAT/AmericanAirlines Arena are collecting bottled water, towels, clothing, and non-perishable canned goods in large containers outside Gate 3 on Northeast Eighth Street, through Jan. 25. Donors get a voucher for two tickets to select HEAT home games during February.


For more orgs. please visit the Miami Herald page HERE.