Red Cross Response to Haiti Earthquake
Newton, January 13, 2009 - The National American Red Cross is responding to earthquake in Haiti, and will be working with Red Cross partners there, as well as with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. At this time, the National American Red Cross has released $200,000 for immediate response action.
It is also making available all the relief supplies at its warehouse in Panama (enough for 5,000 families) in support of relief efforts. These supplies include blankets, kitchen sets, and water containers to meet immediate needs of survivors. As is typical in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, the full extent of damage is unknown at this time. However, as with most earthquakes, we expect to see immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.
You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.
The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization that shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.
