How can I help those in Haiti??? I'm currently broke and can't donate blood

[Terra Alta]

because I don't meet the weight requirement. :( I want so badly to help these poor people! My heart goes out to them and I feel bad because I have NO WAY to help them. Is there anything else I can do??? PS please don't suggest prayer because any so-called "god" who would allow this to happen would not listen anyway!! Thanks in advance for any advice! :(

[ananda]

1. Prayer is good.

That you have love and compassion in your heart goes
a long way these days.

Sue

[NightWatcher]

2. spread the word

I'm on unemployment and could barely afford the $10 text, but I got several other people to donate through spreading the word about the Red Cross text campaign.

Post something on a social network if you belong.

[gateley]

4. Good advice. nt

[Terra Alta]

9. I hadn't even thought of that.

I have a Facebook account but haven't been on it in several days and hadn't even thought of posting something there... Going to do so though tonight when I get off work.. thanks for the advice!

[murielm99]

20. Don't overlook your local newspaper.

If you can write a letter listing all the places taking donations, you might reach a different audience. Even if they distrust the rest of the news, people still read the letters to the editor.

[ChicagoSuz219]

21. You can copy & paste this as your comment:

An easy way to donate is to text HAITI to 90999. $10 will be sent to the Red Cross immediately and charged to your cell phone. Texting charges for donations are FREE (except for Sprint! BOO!) Thank you!

[Parker CA]

10. +1. The more people that know, the better. nt.

[CakeGrrl]

11. The Red Cross is amazed at the millions of dollars raised by the text campaign

It was an excellent idea because it's so easy to do. People text ALL the time, and having it show up on your next phone bill can make it seem like less of an expense in some cases.

[hlthe2b]

3. Well, do your friends/families/acquantances who CAN donate

know how to do so? Perhaps you could summarize all the reliable charities with their numbers and best ways to donate and work to share this information to those who can donate and probably would if you make it easy for them. Just a thought.

[blondeatlast]

6. Or even barter a service (babysitting/laundry/etc) in return for their donation? nt

[Bjorn Against]

5. Are there any local charities in your area that are sending supplies to Haiti?

There are very likely some volunteer opportunities that are available to you locally, check the local papers for stories on groups who are organizing relief efforts and then contact them to ask if they could use a hand.

[gateley]

7. You've received some great advice -- and don't feel bad that you

can't donate money or blood.

Mother Teresa said "if you can't feed one hundred mouths, feed one" -- You do what you can.

[Walk away]

8. I offered to trade services to my clients in exchange for donations..

to The Red Cross. I seems to be a popular idea so far.

[blondeatlast]

13. I mentioned that upthread (I jsut thought of it at the time). Great way for kids

to donate, too.

I LOVE that idea.

[Matariki]

12. Call and write your Senators and Congress person asking them to sign the Jubilee Act

And cancel Haiti's debts.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7463429

[blondeatlast]

14. EXCELLENT! nt

[Kitty Herder]

16. Thanks for sharing that!

[frebrd]

15. K&R n/t

[Warpy]

17. You could try calling your local Red Cross, churches, or other

charities and see if they need volunteer help.

Remember, phone banks need to be manned, trucks need to be loaded, goods need to be sorted, and this happens every day with or without a disaster.

[nadinbrzezinski]

18. Contact any NGO near where you live that has people on the ground

and see if you can volunteer for office work... people scuff, that this frees an expert to go there.

[Earth_First]

19. Allow this feeling of helpessness for those hundreds and thousands of miles away...

to encourage you to service your community RIGHT WHERE YOU LIVE!

Allow this to become the galvanizing effort to help those who are helpless right here at home.

Offer to serve a meal with Food Not Bombs. Contact your local Habitat for Humanity and help provide shelter where it's needed in your hometown. Help sort and organize the clothing donated to your local Salvation Army location. Spread the word to friends and family that by thinking globally and acting locally, they can not only change the situation for the unfortnate citizens of Hati, but they can also change the situation of those on Main Street.

Think about it, good luck!