Earthquake Relief Efforts

The earthquake in Chile has caused significant destruction and loss of life. It has also taxed the resources of international relief agencies. Three organizations responding to the need are Habitat for Humanity, World Vision and the Salvation Army. You can make a $10.00 donation to relief efforts via text as follows:
 - Text the word “CHILE” to 25383 to donate $10 on behalf of Habitat for Humanity.
 - Text the word “CHILE” to 20222 to donate $10 on behalf of World Vision.
 - Text the word “CHILE” to 52000 to donate $10 on behalf of The Salvation Army.
You may also donate online by linking through to their websites.

The terrible earthquake in Haiti has devastated a country that was already desperately poor. Here are some ways you can help.

The Houghton Rotary Club is collecting donations to send ShelterBoxes to Haiti. The box is equipped with a tent and provisions to support up to ten people for up to three months. Each box costs $1,000. Donations may be dropped off at Bruce Rukkila's office in Houghton, or mailed to: Houghton Rotary Club, P.O. Box 102, Houghton, MI 49931. To learn more about the ShelterBox program, click here.

The Salvation Army is working in Haiti. You can donate via your cell phone by texting the word "Haiti" to 5-2-0-0-0. A $10.00 charge will be added to your phone bill, and the money will be given to the Salvation Army (standard texting charges may apply). For more about Salvation Army relief efforts, and the opportunity to donate online, click here.

Many local United Methodist Churches support ongoing projects in Haiti. The head of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Rev. Dr. Sam Dixon, was killed in the Haitian Earthquake when the hotel in which he was staying collapsed. Several members of his staff were rescued after having been trapped for 55 hours. UMCOR does not use donations to fund its operational costs - that money is provided by the Methodist Church. 100% of all donations are used for relief efforts. To donate to the Methodist Church relief efforts, click here.

There are many other fine organizations working tirelessly to assist in Haiti. There are also, already, reports of fraudulent "charities" - con artists collecting donations they keep for themselves. Please make sure you donate to a reputable organization, and never give out your credit card number or any other personal information unless you're sure it's legitimate. Remember, legitimate charities will NEVER ask for your Social Security Number. They don't need it.