The Red Cross is a charitable organization providing support to victims of disaster. Its efforts include pledging money to relief for nations like Haiti, as well as helping citizens of the U.S. on an ongoing basis. Donations to the organization help provide food, shelter, education and other supplies to people in need. As part of its efforts, the Red Cross also hosts blood drives to help with emergency efforts.
Text-Messaging is One Part of the Red Cross Campaign
According to the Baltimore Sun, the public had donated over $800,000 through the text messaging fundraising as of January 14, 2010. While the text messaging campaign offers a quick way for individuals to contribute to the organization, the Red Cross also accepts donations through other methods.
Individuals can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund by calling the Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). Spanish speakers can call 1-800-257-7575 to speak with a Spanish-speaking representative.
The website for the American Red Cross also offers a "Donate Now" button. By clicking on it, a person can select the area, such as the Disaster Relief Fund, where he or she wants the money to go. The organization accepts payment via major credit cards or through Amazon Payment.
Red Cross Partners Help Raise Funds
In addition to soliciting funds from U.S. citizens and other individuals, the Red Cross works with corporations to raise the money needed to support its charitable donations. Major partners with the Red Cross include the following companies:
- John Deere Foundation,
- Morgan Stanley,
- American Express,
- Kimberly-Clark Corporation,
- and State Street Foundation.
The partners support the Red Cross through its Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP), and their contributions help the organization make its initial response in the event of a tragedy. In the case of Haiti, the Red Cross pledged an initial response of one million dollars.
USAID Offers Aid to Haiti
While the Red Cross operates as a charitable organization, the U.S. Agency for International Development acts as a government agency that offers assistance on an international level as needed. Its task in response to the Haiti earthquake is to coordinate relief efforts with the U.S. Embassy located in Port-au-Prince and with the Government of Haiti. In addition to sending staff and supplies, USAID also sent $50,000 to the U.S. Embassy to enact an emergency response program.
According to the USAID website, the earthquake in Haiti affected an estimated three million individuals. Assistance from both charitable and government organizations will work to bring relief to these victims. Individuals wanting to help should consider SMS donations.
Tara McClendon - Tara McClendon is a Texas-based freelance writer and editor. Aside from writing for Suite101, Tara is currently working on a YA novel ...
Join the Conversation