The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked Haiti on January 12 has left the small island devastated and the world in shock. Tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people are feared dead, and with aid having a hard time reaching those in need, thousands more are in grave danger.
The children of Haiti are especially in danger. The earthquake struck at 4:56 p.m. Haitian time while many children were still in school, leaving many injured, alone, and scared.
“This is an unbelievably traumatic experience for children in Haiti,” said Gareth Owen, Save The Children’s director of emergencies. “Thousands will have lost all contact with their families and friends and are now struggling to survive alone in the rubble.”
Many orphaned children are following what they see in the streets, digging in the debris to find bodies, putting themselves at even more risk of injury and death, not to mention the toll it is taking on their mental health.
Aid is having a hard time reaching the Haitians. After the quake, flights were severely limited at Port-au-Prince’s main airport, telecommunications were barely working, port operations were closed, and many medical facilities were damaged or destroyed. President Obama has made a speech urging Americans to help in any way they can, and any bit helps.
Kids are a powerful force, and many organizations are asking that everyone lend a hand. Your child can donate mere dollars to help children, just like them, who have lost everything.
- The American Red Cross is accepting donations as small at $10 charged directly to your phone bill by texting “HAITI” to 90999
- Haitian-born musician Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund, is accepting $5 donations by texting “YELE” to 501501 which will be charged directly to your phone bill.
- UNICEF is accepting donations through their website for the children of Haiti.
- World Vision is accepting donations through their website in increments of $50.00.
- Meds and Food for Kids brings nutrient dense food mixtures to malnourished children in Haiti. Following the earthquake, the demand is unprecedented and funding is needed. Click here to donate.
Unfortunately, as with any great tragedy, there are people out there looking to profit from it. Before your child makes a donation in any capacity, check the validity of the organization, do not give any personal information about you or your finances and do not answer unsolicited emails to make sure the help reaches the victims.
