Ways to lend a helping hand to Haiti....

In the wake of the devastation that recently unraveled in the world's poorest country, many students may be wondering how they can help the victims of the Haitian earthquakes. It's not easy, when you consider the many miles that separate Edinboro from the island nation and the devastation there.

However, there are ways you can contribute. Even small ways make all the difference.

Haiti has always been in desperate need of help, but the tragedies of late have brought this issue further into the world's spotlight. More than 50,000 people are believed to have perished in the initial quake, which struck on Jan. 12, and the severe aftershocks that have since followed, which have also brought about more casualties and displacements.

A recent article on CNN.com stated that Haitian prime minister Jean-Max Belleri had announced that the bodies of 72,000 people so far have been recovered from the ruins.

The United Way is a well-known international charity present in over 40 countries with a branch right here in Erie County. It focuses on "the three building blocks of education, income and health."

It has been quick to organize ways to help the ever-troubled Haitian people. Branches in Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica have set up relief funds, collected goods, donated considerable monetary gifts and sent water and food to affected areas.

Just because you're not in Puerto Rico does not mean you can't contribute to the United Way's efforts, however. On their Web site, www.unitedway.org, there is a link for an easy way to donate to the Haiti fund. You can either mail a check or donate via a credit card online.

In addition, the American Red Cross, despite its localization to the United States, has not turned a cold shoulder to Haiti's recent struggle. A celebrity-flanked telethon on Jan. 22, with the likes of Bono, George Clooney and Rihanna, helped to raise money from viewers, similar to ones done in the wake of Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina.

The American Red Cross Web site states various ways to help those afflicted in Haiti, such as giving blood and donating to Red Cross has set up. Funds like "International Response Fund" and "Disaster Relief Fund" will help the earthquake victims.

The telethon itself, called "Hope for Haiti," proved to be an immense success, bringing in $58 million in donations. It didn't provide only for the American Red Cross—funds went to Oxfam America, Partners in Health, The Red Cross, UNICEF, the U.N. World Food Programme, Yele Haiti Foundation and the Clinton Bush Haiti Foundation.

There is always that overhanging worry that the money donated may not make it to those who need it the most. The American Red Cross and the United Way are two reputable organizations to look in to, and there are lesser-known ones, even some based out of Erie, you can donate to.

Patrick Kinzig, of the Edinboro University Community Outreach Center, stated that currently there are no official activities underway through the school to aid those in Haiti.

He did mention that the sisters of Iota Iota Iota have put together a drive in Hendricks Hall that will be running Wednesday and Friday of this week that students can participate in.

Kinzig, addressing the concern of those who worry about which charities to put their money in, said to "go with the more well-known ones."

These include groups like Doctors Without Borders, the Community of Caring, InterNation, Hearts for the Hungry and Catholic Charities via the Erie diocese. They are all in desperate need of donations to help the Haitian victims. Don't overlook them and the invaluable work they do.

In the weeks and months to come, there is to be no dearth of clothing, food and blood drives in the local area to aid Haiti, whether it be through the work of local churches or other service-driven organizations.

Be sure to not overlook them, either, as Haiti's need, which was just as real before the earthquakes, is sure to remain for a long time, long after the rubble has been cleared.

JANUARY 27, 2010