Information on How to Help Victims of the Earthquake in Haiti

Dear friend,

With as many as three million people affected by the catastrophic earthquake that stuck Haiti a few days ago, the people of Haiti need our help. In response to the overwhelming calls my office has been receiving, I am providing you with the following information so that if you can be sure that any assistance you can provide, makes its way to those that need it most.

• AMERICAN RED CROSS
  If you would like to make a financial contribution, you can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

• Many cellular phone providers have set up a text message system where you can make a $10 contribution by texting the word “Haiti” to 90999.  Your cellular phone company will send you a confirmation text message that you will need to respond to, and the $10 will be added to your next bill.  There will be no cost for the text messages for this service

• UNICEF
  To make a donation, Click Here. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.

• Operation USA
  Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements, which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles.
  
  To make a donation, Click Here. To donate by phone call 1-800-678-7255
  
  Send a check to:
  Operation USA
  3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A
  Culver City, CA 90232

• Mercy Corps
  Mercy Corps is sending a team of emergency responders to assess damage, and seek to fulfill immediate needs of quake survivors.
  
  To make a donation, Click Here. To donate by phone call 1-888-256-1900
  
  Send a check to:
  Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund; Dept NR
  P.O. Box 2669
  Portland, OR 97208

Please note that you should be cautious to only make donations through agencies that you know are legitimate. 

If you have any questions or need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to call my office at (516) 766-8383.

                                                                Very truly yours,
      
                                                                Dean G. Skelos
                                                                Senator – 9th District