By Michelle James
Individuals throughout Fayette, Raleigh and Nicholas counties have shown a great interest in assisting the American Red Cross in its relief efforts following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti Tuesday.
Jane Hardy, board chair for the Fayette-Nicholas chapter, said in addition to monetary donations, several individuals have expressed interest in actually traveling to Port-au-Prince to assist in the relief operation.
Although Hardy said the local chapter does not send volunteers to such locations, monetary donations are much needed and appreciated.
“We’re taking donations at the office and those will be sent straight to national headquarters to go to Haiti,” she said.
According to Tara Hines, community and development coordinator for the Central West Virginia chapter of the Red Cross, volunteers at the Charleston call center have worked around the clock, taking more than 2,000 calls from around the country regarding the relief efforts
Hines said volunteers are also fielding calls from individuals concerned about family members who are in Haiti.
Hines and Hardy urged people interested in assisting to make monetary donations to the American Red Cross.
“I encourage everybody to give what they are comfortable with,” Hardy said, adding people should not give beyond their means. “Don’t put yourself in distress but try to help as much as possible.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Fayette-Nicholas chapter at 208 Main St. in Oak Hill (basement of the Oak Hill Post Office) or at 200 Industrial Drive in Beckley.
Donations can also be mailed to the Beckley chapter at P.O. Box 1598, Beckley, WV 25801.
Hardy said those donating with a check should write “Haiti” on the memo line.
Additionally, secure online donations can be made at www.cwv-redcross.org or by texting the word “HAITI” to “90999” to make a $10 donation.
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Those seeking news from their loved ones in Haiti can register the name of the sought persons directly on the Red Cross International Disaster Family Linking Web site at www.icrc.org/ familylinks.
Inquiries regarding U.S. citizens living or traveling in Haiti should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens services, at 1-888-407-4747.
— E-mail: mjames@register-herald.com
