(Central Florida) After a magnitude 7.3 earthquake devastated Haiti Tuesday evening, the Central Florida community has been turning to the Red Cross wanting to know how to help. The Red Cross has released $1 million in disaster relief and has made supplies available to assist the victims.The Red Cross is also releasing supplies from a warehouse in Panama that will meet the immediate needs of 5,000 families. A team of six disaster management specialists is also deploying to the disaster zone to help coordinate relief.These specialists are joining staff already on the ground.
The most effective way for the Central Florida community to support the recovery effort is to make a donation to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund. Potential donors may contact their local chapter offices, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or visit www.midfloridaredcross.org to make a secure online donation. Mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross. The funds will go to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
“We’ve seen an outpouring from concerned family members, groups and individuals,” said Mid-Florida Region C.E.O Joel Hass. “The best way for us to provide assistance is to collect monetary donations to the Red Cross because that will allow us to directly purchase the supplies that are needed immediately in Haiti. Your donation will ensure that families do not go hungry, that they have enough water to drink and that they can get the emergency supplies to begin cleaning up their homes and their communities.”
You can help the victims of countless crises 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.
As the disaster response gets underway, the Red Cross encourages those seeking information about loved ones living or traveling in Haiti to contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747.
At this time, the Red Cross is only deploying Red Cross volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. However, individuals are encouraged to support their local Red Cross by volunteering and training for future disasters.
For more information please contact the Mid-Florida Region Chief Public Relations Officer.
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You can help the victims of countless crises 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. Donations can be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013, or made by phone at 1-800-RED-CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or online at www.redcross.org or www.midfloridaredcross.org.
