Helping Haiti
A massive earthquake hit the Caribbean nation of Haiti on Tuesday, January 13, 2010, killing untold numbers of innocent victims, and decimating homes, roads, and businesses. The earthquake leaves behind a humanitarian disaster that this already impoverished nation is ill-equipped to handle. Here's how you can assist with the massive relief effort now underway in Haiti.

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American Red Cross
The local chapter of the American Red Cross is not sending volunteers to Haiti at this time. They are asking for financial support for the American Red Cross as that agency works directly with the Haitian Red Cross.
Donations to the International Response Fund can be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 or online at www.redcross.org. Donors may also text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts.

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Rays of Hope for Haiti
This Grand-Rapids based organization is mobilizing to assist with disaster relief. They are also asking for your continued prayers. Rays of Hope for Haiti has a long-standing ministry which specializes in assisting organizations and individuals in sending supplies to their partner projects or family members in Haiti. They provide low-cost and reliable shipping services from the United States to Haiti. You may contact Rays of Hope for Haiti at 946 Burton SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 or call 616-633-4258. You may visit their website at www.raysofhopeforhaiti.com.

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Click Here for other ways to help.

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Here are three good websites that will help ensure your donations to Haiti relief are going to organizations that will put them to good use.

GuideStar: www.guidestar.org

Charity Navigator: www.charitynavigator.org

Better Business Bureau Giving Alliance: www.bbb.org/us/charity/

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Haiti - FamilyLinks
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.crs.org

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What is Hero Central?
The world could use a few heroes right about now. Each of us has a chance to be a hero in the life of another person. Hero Central is about inspiring that and unleashing what we call a "Hero Army" ... regular people from every corner of West Michigan, offering to help those in need.
We want to tell the stories of these everyday heroes and at the same time help respond to some of the challenges facing local communities ... things like hunger, housing, employment, and more. So tell us about the hero in your life, and watch for your opportunity to get involved and make a difference in the lives of people who may be your next-door neighbors ... or total strangers. Need a Hero? Be a Hero. Join the Hero Army.