Stepalicious

Today I glued myself to FoxNews.  I am so saddened by the devastation in Haiti and kept trying to think of some way I could help.  I updated my facebook often with ideas…and am trying to get my daughter’s school to allow me to organize a school fundraiser.

I got a little more proactive too… I immediately donated to the American Red Cross…very fast and easy.

But…I wanted to involve Lil Z, my 7-year-old daughter. I feel it’s important for our children to realize that they can make an impact in their world.  Lil Z and I sat down and watched about 15 minutes of the news so she could see the images of the houses and some of the people.  We then talked about it and discussed ways that we can help.  Lil Z was surprised that SHE could do something to help the people who were so sad, scared and lost everything.  This weekend Lil Z is making posters and coin jars and will be distributing them to area businesses next week to collect donations…she already has 3 locations lined up!  Hoping to get 10 minimum!  Together we then looked at the agencies on the FoxNews website, and she decided to donate the money that she raises to the Red Cross.  The only part that was a little confusing for her is that the money would go for food, clothing and supplies…she wanted the money to “buy toys for the kids so that they would smile again.”  I love her so much.

So…here’s your moment.  It doesn’t take a lot to make a difference…even the change in your pocket helps.

Here is a list of agencies on the FoxNews website, that are taking donations for relief in Haiti. Pick one…and make an impact.

• Americares – Specializes in immediate disaster relief

• American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee: World’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, collecting funds for relief efforts and working with partners on the ground in Haiti.

• American Red Cross: The American Red Cross has pledged an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by today’searthquake in Haiti, and is prepared to take further action as local responders assess the situation.

• CARE: CARE donations will go to deliver emergency aid to victims of the impoverished nation’s capital city.

• Catholic Relief Services: Donations go to help Haiti victims, who are still recovering from the deadly 2008 hurricanes.

• Direct Relief International: Direct Relief’s response efforts are fast, involve local partners, and are coordinated with other international organizations and governmental authorities to ensure the most efficient use of resources.

• Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity International is addressing shelter solutions for low-income families affected by the earthquake. Habitat’s ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community

• International Medical Corps: International Medical Corps is deploying an Emergency Response Team to Haiti.

• International Relief Teams: International Relief Teams (IRT) is appealing for cash donations to help the victims of the powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck near the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

• The International Rescue Committee: The International Rescue Committee is deploying its Emergency Response Team to Haiti to deliver urgent assistance to earthquake survivors and help overwhelmed local aid. They’ll be focusing on critical medical, water and sanitation assistance.

• Lutheran World Relief: Lutheran World Relief is accepting donations to provide life-saving assistance in response to the earthquake in Haiti. Details of the emergency response will made available as the organization learns more about the immediate needs on the ground.

• 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.

• PIH – Has had longstanding aid relationship with Haiti

• Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is currently mobilizing personnel and supplies to assist in the relief effort in Haiti, following the severe earthquake that struck Tuesday. The Salvation Army has already dedicated $50,000 in direct aid to the country, and it is in need of additional

• Save the Children: Donations to Save the Children will help the charity provide urgently needed medical attention, safe drinking water, and other necessities.

• UNICEF USA: Donations to UNICEF will go to children, the most vulnerable population in anynatural disaster.

• World Concern: Donate to Haiti relief efforts.

• World Food Programme: WFP is mobilising all available resources to bring urgently needed food assistance to thousands of people affected by the devastating earthquake which hit the Caribbean island of Haiti.

• World Vision:Your gift now will help distribute relief supplies – including food, clean water, blankets, and tents to children and families impacted by the earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti.

• Yele Haiti has a quick convenient way to text donate $5 fast.  And…it’s legit.