Red Cross, churches accept donations for Haiti relief

Donations to aid Haiti after last Wednesday’s tragic earthquake can be sent to the Whitman County’s chapter of the American Red Cross in Pullman. Lisa Jones, Red Cross Services coordinator, said the office has received dozens of calls from local residents wanting to assist. The agency is accepting only financial contributions because they are more easily and quickly applied toward recovery efforts.

She said donors can send checks, cash or call the office to make donations with credit cards. Donors should specify that their contributions are for Haitian relief.

Donations of $10 can be made via cell phones by texting the word Haiti to the number 90999. The donation will be put on the donor’s cell phone bill. Jones said most all cell phone carriers are participating in the program. Text donations will go specifically to Haiti.

Donations can also be made through the web sites of both the local and national Red Cross. Phone: 332-2304. Address: 125 S.E. Spring, St., Pullman, 99163

Donations are also accepted at any US Bank branches. Donors are asked to specify American Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Donation Account.

Through the American Red Cross, donations can be made on-line to the International Relief Fund at http://www.redross.org.

Jones pointed out in-kind donations, such as bottled water and clothing are not being accepted at this point in the relief effort because storage and distribution systems are not yet in place. Also, at this time, Red Cross is deploying only volunteers who are specifically trained.

Also, donations designated for Haitian relief can be made to the United Methodist Council on Relief. Simpson United Methodist Church, 324 N. Maple, Pullman, 99163, and Colfax United Methodist Church, 109 S. Mill, 99111.

http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/

mail: UMCOR, Box 9068. New York, N.Y., 10087

Checks should be made to UMCOR with Advance #418325, Haiti Emergency on the memo line.