Thank you for your kind offer to help in Haiti as an American Red Cross volunteer. The response we received has been overwhelming, and we are touched by your generosity.
Unfortunately, we are not accepting volunteers to travel to Haiti. If support is requested by a Red Cross or Red Crescent society in another country, we tap into a cadre of emergency response workers who are specially trained to manage and participate in international emergency operations. However, we encourage you to continue to seek out possible volunteer opportunities announced by your professional association.
Right now, Haitians need necessities that cost money such as food, clean water and shelter. The American Red Cross has pledged $10 million to help provide disaster relief and has already given thousands of hygiene kits, buckets, mosquito nets and kitchen sets.
Countless requests have come from people wanting to help. The best way to do that is to make a donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund at redcross.org or through your local Red Cross chapter www.LowcountryRedCross.org. You can make donations over the phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or calling your local Red Cross chapter at 843-764-2323. You can also mail a donation to the local chapter at American Red Cross, 8085 Rivers Ave, Suite F, North Charleston, SC 29406. Donations to the International Response Fund allow the American Red Cross to respond to global emergencies and disasters.
In addition, several hundred thousand people have chosen to make a mobile donation. Donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 on their cell phone to send a $10 donation to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. The mobile giving effort raised more than $3 million by Thursday morning, and all money raised goes to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
We’ve heard your call for guidance on helping those who are suffering loud and clear. Our hope is that we can provide opportunities for you to build a lasting relationship with our mission.
Volunteers are always needed and appreciated at the local level. There are many ways you can channel your energy and compassion through volunteering. If you would like to volunteer for the American Red Cross in your community, please contact your local Red Cross. You can become trained in disaster response, safety and preparedness. Become part of a global cause to help alleviate human suffering in whatever form it may take.
Is the American Red Cross Lowcountry chapter, taking clothing donations to send to Haiti?
At this time the American Redcross is unable to accept donations such as clothing due to the resources needed to sort and pack them, and the cost for shipping them. There are organizations that are able to accept donations of this kind. You may consider having a yard sale and donating the proceeds to help the American Red Cross in their efforts to provide other services and items needed in Haiti.