Hilton Head Island: How you can help the relief efforts in Haiti

Courtesy www.islandpacket.com

Local Red Cross to act as clearinghouse for donations to help Haiti quake victims


The Lowcountry chapter of the American Red Cross is accepting donations to support those affected by the Haitian earthquake.

The Red Cross is contributing an initial $1 million from its International Response Fund to support the relief operation, according to a news release. The organization also is sending supplies, including tarps and cooking sets, from its warehouse in Panama to meet the immediate needs of 5,000 families.

Donations can be made locally through the Palmetto Service Center on Sheridan Park Circle in Bluffton by calling 843-757-7437 or online at www.LowcountryRedCross.org.

The Red Cross also is receiving money through a third-party fundraiser sponsored by Mobile Accord, according to the news release. Donors can text "Haiti" to 90999 to send a $10 donation.

The Red Cross is deploying only volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. Eileen Hadbavny of the Red Cross' Carolina Lowcountry Chapter said Wednesday no groups of local volunteers had been sent to Haiti.

"Usually during international disasters, the best way to support, if people want to get behind those on the ground, is to provide a financial donation through the Red Cross," she said.

Telephone, Internet and other communication lines are often disrupted in disasters. The Red Cross advises those with loved ones in Haiti to be patient and continue to call or contact other relatives who live nearby.

If trying to reach a U.S. citizen living or traveling in Haiti, contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747.

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Hilton Head Island, SC