The continued media coverage of the news in Haiti is simply devastating. I am sure you have felt the urge to give more to this country who so desperately needs our help.
The blogosphere responded in a huge way, and I am so stinkin’ proud to be part of this community. Hundreds of you pledged donations through comments and links. So many are praying.
I received well over a hundred links and comments on my help for Haiti post, and I plan to donate my full pledge amount this week directly to Compassion’s Disaster Relief Fund.
If you wish to help, but funds are tight, did you know you can also donate your Swag Bucks?
Through Friday, January 22nd, you can donate your bucks in any amount, which will then be converted into cash. All Swag Bucks they collect will go directly toward donations to two major relief organizations:
* American Red Cross
* Doctors Without Borders
Another option for my fellow couponers would be to clear out some of that stockpile and donate much-needed supplies directly to Haiti. Many supply drives are going on all over the country. Jenny at Southern Savers has a growing list of places you can drop off various items.
An opportunity presented itself today during my MOPS meeting that I felt led to share with my local readers. As you may know, I live in the DFW Metroplex in North Texas. A friend of mine has connections through family to a local church who is planning a Haiti Relief Mission.
This trip is scheduled for February 10-16, 2010.
They are currently gathering donations of specific supplies to take in Rubbermaid tubs directly to orphanages in Haiti. When I saw the list of requested items, I knew immediately that these are items most coupon shoppers have in abundance.
- Ibuprofen/Tylenol (acetaminophen)/Aspirin- for infants to adults
- Triple antibiotic and anti-fungal cream/ointment
- Benadryl (all kinds) and Hydrocortisone
- Mentholatum ointment and cough drops
- Hydrogen Peroxide and rubbing alcohol
- Hand sanitizer gel/anti-bacterial wipes
- Boxed vitamins- for all ages
- Diaper rash cream/ointment and baby wipes
- Gauze, ace bandages, medical tape, etc.
- Soap- including hotel bars
- Bags of beans and rice
- Gallon size baggies
- Gallon jugs of water
- Snacks: granola/breakfast bars, peanuts, trail mix, crackers
Rather than publishing the specifics, I am collecting names and email addresses of those who wish to get involved in this giving opportunity. Below is a form you can fill out to request more details, such as the name of the church and a secure drop-off location. I am collecting this info for the sole purpose of supporting this relief mission.
This is a real, tangible way to get supplies into the hands of hurting people.
Thank you for getting involved and helping the people of Haiti!
A fabulous opportunity to give! I know if I lived in TX, I would be cleaning out my closets and cabinets to give. Love being able to give stuff that I “bought” with coupons!!!
I’m praying that the efforts have great success!
Thanks, Myra! 🙂 Be sure to check out Southern Savers to see if there is a local supply drive in your area.
I don’t know if you are linked to him or not, but Shaun Groves with Compassion International is trying to put together a Help Haiti Live concert… his website is http://www.shaungroves.com for more information.
They are planning a concert in Nashville, Dallas and Los Angeles to be attended live and via live feed. Please check it out.
Thanks for the info, Kim! I checked out the link and will gladly help get the word out about this concert. Very cool!
Thanks for information, especially the info for those of us on limited funds.
Stop by my blog and leave a response to this week’s question: Do you still use personal checks to pay for bills, products and services?
.-= Rona´s last blog ..Foodshare America – Save Money on Your Groceries =-.
I was involved in a mini-Katrina in 2006. Our condo community was completely destroyed by a flood that reached the second floor. We were rescued out of our bedroom windows by rafts. The American Red Cross , The
Salvation Army and our local Humane Society came to our immediate aide. The next day The Humane Society entered the condos by using rafts and saved all the pets! They did an outstanding job. This included dogs, cats, rabbits and even pet rats. So to get to my point- when a disaster such as Haiti occurs, this draws funds away from your local relief agencies, and being a bit contrary, I increase my donation to the local agencies to help make up for the funds that have been diverted to other causes. Also, the best agencies to donate to is the American Red Cross, they have experienced volunteers already trained and waiting to assist when a disaster strikes. They were already waiting even before we were rescued! I have to give a shout out to the Mormon missionaries, two very nice young men, who helped us dig through the muck trying to salvage some personal items.