A few ways to help those in Haiti

Honestly, a part of me would prefer to ignore what is going on around me, to shield myself from the grief and suffering others are facing. Losing my two children already feels like more pain than I can stand. The thought of all those parents who’s children have died in Haiti, the devastation that earthquake has wreaked, the many who are hurt, who are starving, who are desperately waiting to know if their loved ones still live… it all seems like too much. So I have avoided looking the photos and watching the news. (I suspect I’m not the only one who does, but admitting this selfishness is difficult, especially amidst such tragedy.)

Distancing myself from what’s happened, however, does not mean that I don’t know how much help is needed. And because I am able, I am called to contribute. It is the right thing to do. It is the Christian thing to do. And I know it would make Calvin and Rainbow proud to know their mommy is helping. So even if you, like me, find the need to guard your tender heart from the painful stories and imagery, if you are so moved and able, please considering donating in one of the following ways.

A handful of organizations through which you can text message donations:

• International Rescue Committee – Text “Haiti” to 25383 to donate $5 (or donate online)
  
• Compassion – Text “disaster” to 90999 to donate $10  (or donate online)
• UNICEF – Text the word “Hope10” or “UNICEF” to 20222 to donate $10 (or donate online)
• Salvation Army – Text the word “Haiti” to 52000 to donate $10 (or find other ways to give)
• Habitat for Humanity – Text the word “Habitat” to 25383 to donate $10 (or donate online)
• Save the Children Federation, Inc. – Text the word “Save” or “Safe” to 20222 to donate $10 (or donate online)

The organization names link to their main sites, while the links in parenthesis go to the online donation forms (except for the Salvation Army, which goes to a page that shows multiple ways to give via monetary donation, volunteering, etc.). The Mobile Giving Foundation has a list of groups that are accepting donations via text message, including the Red Cross, the MTV telethon, Wyclef Jean’s Yéle Foundation.

You can also help by visiting…

• Indie Relief – Proceeds from purchases made on January 20 of all the listed software/apps will go towards charities working to help Haiti relief efforts
• Bring the Rain – Angie is donating a quarter for every comment she receives on her “Help Me Help Haiti” post until tomorrow evening
• Hope for Haiti – Jenny, from Simply Delightful Designs, has organized a bunch of raffles with awesome donated prizes; $1 = 1 raffle ticket and proceeds will go to the Red Cross and Compassion (note: there are some difficult images in the header of the site)

I know, firsthand, how difficult it can be to see past our own personal heartaches (especially when the pain is still so raw), but there is some healing to be found in using this tenderness to help others in need.