Donating to the American Red Cross►What can I do to help?The needs in Haiti are tremendous and we want to thank you for helping the Red Cross meet that need. The best way for us to help those affected by disasters, such as the Haiti earthquake, is with
financial donations to the International Response Fund. This allows the Red Cross to meet the immediate individual needs of those affected by the earthquake in Haiti, and it also puts money back into the devastated community's economy. Your gift to the International Response Fund also enables the Red Cross be prepared to immediately respond to future disasters. Your donation will help the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other basic needs as needed. You can also support the National Disaster Relief Fund which will help us be prepared to provide aid following future national disasters.
►What should I do to make a donation?Donations to the International Response Fund can be made in the following ways:
By Phone: 314-516-2800
Text to Help: Text the word “HAITI” to 90999, and a $10 donation will be given to the Red Cross through Mobile Accord, the U.S. State Department’s third-party fundraiser.
By Mail: American Red Cross, Attn: Development, 10195 Corporate Square, St. Louis, MO 63132
►Does 100% of my donation go to support the relief efforts in Haiti?
We would be more than happy to designate your gift to the Haiti Relief and Development Fund as the American Red Cross honors donor intent. We also encourage you to consider a gift to the International Response Fund, which allows the Red Cross to meet the immediate needs of those affected by the current disaster in Haiti and future disasters. We are happy to report that ninety-one cents of every dollar the American Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs, such as the relief effort in Haiti.
►What could my gift actually buy?
A disaster can destroy even the most basic family possessions and restoring a family’s self-sufficiency is essential. Below are just a few ways your generous donations could be used:
$5 provides a water container to store clean drinking water
$10 provides a blanket that is appropriate to the climate and culture of the disaster-affected area or also can provide a family with two water cans to store clean drinking water
$10 provides a first aid kit equipped with enough ointment and bandages for a Red Cross responder to treat 15-20 injured earthquake survivors
$25 provides a family of 5 with a kitchen set giving them the ability to cook and serve food. This includes two cooking pots, a frying pan, bowls, plates, cups and utensils.
$30 provides essential hygiene items like toothpaste, shampoo, body soap, toilet paper, towel, etc to 5 people for one month.
$60 provides tarps, rope, wood and tools for a family of five to build a temporary shelter.
$100 provides a cooking set, hygiene pack, blankets and water containers for one family of five following a disaster.
$500 provides a family tent for a family of 5.
►How do I know my donation is safe? Is it going to the government?
All donations made to the American Red Cross stay within the Red Cross organization. During an international disaster, like the earthquake in Haiti, the money will be given to the International Red Cross. They will retain the donation and spend the money appropriately on deploying personnel, providing relief supplies and direct financial assistance. The Red Cross takes full responsibility of donations and all money contributed to us will be used solely by our organization.
►Can I text to help?
Donors may text "Haiti" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts; the donation is an automatic $10 donation. The donation will appear on your cell phone bill. Standard text rates may apply. After you send a text message, you will receive a confirmation text that asks you to reply "YES" if you intend to give a $10 donation to the Red Cross Haiti relief efforts. A thank you text will follow.
►How many times can I make a donation by texting "Haiti" to "90999"?
You can text "Haiti" to "90999" two or three times depending on your cell phone provider. AT&T and T-Mobile subscribers can donate three times. If you wish to donate more than $20 or $30, please
click here or call 314.516.2800.
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I heard that we will be able to claim Haitian Relief donations on our 2009 taxes, is that true?
If you are donating to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti, you may be able to claim those donations on your 2009 tax return. Here are 10 important facts the Internal Revenue Service wants you to know about this special provision.
1. A new law allows you to claim donations for Haitian relief on your 2009 tax return, which you will be filing this year.
2. The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.
3. To be eligible for a deduction on the 2009 tax return, donations must be made after Jan. 11, 2010 and before March 1, 2010.
4. In order to be deductible, contributions must be made to qualified charities and cannot be designated for the benefit of specific individuals or families.
5. The new law applies only to cash contributions.
6. Cash contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card may be claimed on your federal tax return.
7. You must itemize your deductions in order to claim these donations on your tax return.
8. You have the option of deducting these contributions on either your 2009 or 2010 tax return, but not both.
9. Contributions made to foreign organizations generally are not deductible. You can find out more about organizations helping Haitian earthquake victims from agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (
www.usaid.gov).
10. Federal law requires that you keep a record of any deductible donations you make. For donations by text message, a telephone bill will meet the record-keeping requirement if it shows the name of the organization receiving your donation, the date of the contribution, and the amount given. For cash contributions made by other means, be sure to keep a bank record, such as a cancelled check or a receipt from the charity. Receipts should show the name of the charity, the date and amount of the contribution.
For more information see
IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions and
Publication 3833 , Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance through Charitable Organizations. To determine if an organization is a qualified charity visit IRS.gov, keyword "Search for Charities". Note that some organizations, such as churches or governments, may be qualified even though they are not listed on IRS.gov.
IR-2010-12, Haiti Relief Donations Qualify For Immediate Tax Relief
Search for Charities
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What are Red Cross administrative costs on relief operations?
On average 91 cents of every donated dollar will be spent on disaster relief operations and recovery. The other 9 cents supports the general infrastructure/back office operations of the Red Cross such as HR, IT, communications, fundraising, corporate finance, etc.
Regarding our mobile text program, 100 percent of the $10 donations sent via mobile texting—"HAITI" to "90999"—will be given to the Red Cross by the mobile carriers.
Volunteering for the Haiti Relief Efforts
►How can I volunteer to help in Haiti?
We appreciate your interest in volunteering, however, trained volunteers are already in place and the Red Cross is not currently recruiting volunteers to travel to Haiti. The process to become a trained international disaster response volunteer is very extensive and requires a high level of technical skill and prior disaster response experience. International volunteers are trained and deployed from Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington DC. Also, please note that international volunteer teams are very small and very select with training being conducted only twice a year.
If you would like to become a Red Cross volunteer to help with future disasters in our local community, please visit the
Volunteer page on our website and complete an online volunteer application. We’d love to have you trained and ready to help for the next disaster. You can also call Mary Rosen at 314.516.2876 or Julie Meyer at 314.516.2721.
The
International Medical Corps is also accepting doctors and nurses willing and able to volunteer for international disasters. You may contact them at 202.828.5155 and press 0 to speak with an operator.
You may also visit
ReliefWeb to learn of more opportunities and relief efforts as they become available.
Food, Water and Clothing Donations
►Is the Red Cross accepting in-kind donations for the Haiti Relief Effort?
The American Red Cross initially responds to most international relief efforts with monetary support, and when needed, ships bulk items. Financial contributions are the best way to help; they allow us to support the greatest needs in the most efficient manner. The cost of processing and transporting these donations is almost always greater than the cost of purchasing those goods locally.
►Is the Red Cross accepting clothing donations for the Haiti Relief Effort?
While the Red Cross is not accepting clothing donations for the Haiti relief effort, the St. Louis Area Chapter has partnered with
Merchandise Pickup Service, a company that collects, processes and sells used clothing to thrift stores with proceeds benefiting the Red Cross. Your donation will help provide relief in times of disaster in our local community.
►My corporation would like to make a bulk donation. Who should we contact for assistance?
If a corporation or group is interested in making a donation to support the Haiti Relief Efforts, please call 314.516.2800 and you will be directed to a development representative that would be happy to talk with you.
Hosting an Event to Help Raise Money for the American Red Cross
►Can I host an event to help raise money for the American Red Cross?
We would be happy to work with your organization or school to host an event to help support the ongoing efforts of the Red Cross. Event ideas include garage sales, bake sales, jeans day, themed baskets auction, car wash, etc. For more ideas and an event contract, please
click here or check out the
Chapter Blog for inspiring stories and event ideas from local schools and organizations.
Donating Blood to the American Red Cross for Haiti Relief Efforts
►Does the Red Cross need blood donations for Haiti Relief Efforts?
The American Red Cross continues to meet the current needs of this tragedy from our existing blood supply. At this time we do not anticipate the need for a general donor appeal to support our efforts.
The American Red Cross is coordinating shipments of blood and blood products to Haiti at the request of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). PAHO officials are coordinating with the National Blood Transfusion Program at the Ministry of Health in Haiti to distribute blood to local hospitals according to the needs of the earthquake victims. Future shipments will be coordinated with PAHO by the American Red Cross and filled through a cooperative effort with other blood collectors in the United States.
However, if you are able to donate blood, there is an urgent need for eligible donors with Type O negative blood in this country so schedule a blood donation appointment as soon as possible. Type O negative blood is universal and can be given to anyone, regardless of their blood type, and is frequently used in emergency situations. To donate blood, visit us online at
redcrossblood.org to make an appointment. Your blood donation will become part of the nation’s blood supply and will help ensure that we are prepared for any blood needs that arise right here in our community or wherever blood is needed.
How People Can Find a Missing Relative or U.S. Citizen visiting in Haiti
►I know someone who is currently in Haiti. How can I get in touch with them to make sure that they are safe?
The International Committee of the Red Cross has established a family linking Web site, enabling persons in Haiti and abroad to search for and register the names of relatives missing since the earthquake:
www.icrc.org/familylinks. The information given on this website is not confidential and can be viewed by anyone.
If you are concerned about a U.S. citizen living or traveling in Haiti, you may call the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 for assistance. Inquiries for U.S. citizens can also be sent to
Haiti-earthquake@state.gov with the following information:
1. Full name, date of birth and passport information (if known) of the person in Haiti you are trying to contact
2. Contact information of the person in Haiti - telephone numbers, e-mail address, hotel name and address (if known)
3. Inquirer's full name and contact information and relationship to the person in Haiti
4. Any special or emergency circumstances
Otherwise, we encourage you to continue to try to reach them via telephone, social networking sites or through a loved one outside the disaster zone. We know that telephone lines are down, so we ask that you remain patient and try again often. The International Committee of the Red Cross has also established a
family linking Web site, enabling persons in Haiti and abroad to search for and register the names of relatives missing since the earthquake.
Additional resources include:
Voice of America has expanded daily Creole Service programming in Haiti from 1.5 to 5 hours. They have set-up a special number for people to leave messages for their missing loved ones that will be broadcast in Haiti. That number is 202.205.9942, extension 42.
Google has launched a
"Person Finder" tool to allow people from all nationalities and locations to share information.
CNN is compiling a list of resources on their
Web site for families seeking loved ones.
►I know someone who is a U.S. citizen currently in Haiti. Who do they contact for assistance?
U.S. citizens are urged to contact the Embassy via e-mail at
ACSPaP@state.gov or Haiti-earthquake@state.gov to request assistance. U.S. citizens in Haiti can also call the Embassy's Consular Task Force at 509.2229.8942, 509.2229.8089, 509.2229.8322, or 509.2229.8672
Information About Adopting a Child From Haiti
►I am interested in adopting a child from Haiti. Can you help?
►Is there a number to call if I have a pending adoption?
How the Red Cross is Helping in Haiti
►What is the Red Cross doing to help?
►I am a Haiti earthquake survivor and recently relocated to St. Louis. Can the Red Cross help me?
We want to welcome you to the St. Louis community and assure you that we will do everything to help make your transition as smooth as possible. Please call 314.516.2800 and an emergency services representative will be in contact with you to provide information on community resources available to you.
►How can I stay up to date on the most current information related to the Haiti relief efforts?
►How is the Red Cross using the donations raised?
The funds the Red Cross has committed and spent meet the most urgent needs of earthquake survivors. Please view the
Resources page to see the most up-to-date breakdown of our spending.
The Red Cross will continue to invest the money entrusted to us by the American people in the most responsible way until the last donated dollar is spent. Because of the generosity of donors, people in Haiti will receive both immediate relief and resources, and support and training that will help them recover and rebuild.
►How does the Red Cross plan on being there for the long-term recovery effort?
It is clear that what took minutes to destroy will take many years and the collective support from governments and relief agencies across the world to help mend. The American Red Cross is working hard on long-term plans to help the people of Haiti recover from the earthquake and prepare for the upcoming rainy and hurricane seasons, even as emergency relief is expected to continue for several more months. Because of the generosity of donors, people in Haiti will receive more than immediate relief – they will receive resources, support and training from the Red Cross that will help them recover and rebuild in the years ahead.
The American Red Cross intends to make a multimillion-dollar commitment to address emergency and transitional shelters, which are among Haiti’s most pressing needs. The American Red Cross is working in close coordination with other organizations and will collaborate on and support long-term recovery projects. The American Red Cross is applying experience gained following other major disasters including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. For the past five years, we have been working with partners to construct water and sanitation systems, providing emotional support and healthcare, building shelters, restoring livelihoods and preparing communities for the next disaster. We plan to offer a similar level of support in close collaboration with Red Cross partners and other international and local aid organizations in Haiti.
Media Information
►I am a member of the media and would like information on how the Red Cross is responding.
Please contact our media hotline at 314.406.1920 or visit our
newsroom. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Education
►What resources are available to teach earthquake or disaster preparedness?
The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter offers free community disaster education for adults and children. For more information on Community Disaster Education programs or to schedule a presentation, contact Elena Sabin at
(314) 516.2753 or at
esabin@redcrossstl.org.
You can also download the “Be Red Cross Ready”
Earthquake Safety Checklist. Additional disaster-specific resources are available in the
Disaster Safety Tips section of the website.
►How can I talk to my children about Natural Disasters?
In light of recent world events and events that continue to affect our children here at home, Sesame Street along with the American Red Cross are offering parents, caregivers and other adults, these tips on how to help children understand and cope with the effects of natural disasters. Click here to download “
Helping Children Understand Natural Disasters.”