The One About Haiti

It is impossible to understand or even imagine what the people of Haiti are going through. Especially today. A tremendous earthquake destroyed their tiny island just a few days ago - and now the aftershocks have created even larger and seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

There are numerous organizations working in Haiti to clean up the wreckage - physically, mentally and spiritually. One of these organizations has been in Haiti for over 20 years, and was working to provide medical care in this area long before last week. They have individuals working with their organization who live in Haiti and understand the deep ramifications of a disaster like this. Partners in Health works to "bring modern medical care to poor communities in nine countries around the world. The work of PIH has three goals: to care for our patients, to alleviate the root causes of disease in their communities, and to share lessons learned around the world."

The organization's Stand with Haiti campaign is focused on raising funds to alleviate the traumatic effects of this natural disaster and they are desperate for your help. Even the smallest donation - $15 - can make a huge difference in this effort ... and how big a difference can you honestly say $15 is going to make in your bank account?

To that end, Merchline and Fretto Prints have partnered to create a shirt that's proceeds will all go to PIH's Stand with Haiti campaign.

Not only is it adorable, but you'll be sending your money directly to an organization who is doing incredible work in this area of the world (and others). Click on the image to be directed to the website.

There are also numerous other ways to send love and support to Haiti. This shirt supports the Red Cross, my mom went and gave blood (again) today - she's got a habit of doing that, donations can be made to UNICEF, Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Doctors Without Borders, CARE, Feed the Children, Oxfam and many many more.

If you want to go the high-tech route, try texting to one of these numbers:

Text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts
Text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief efforts
Text "GIVE10" to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief

There are also local schools and churches collecting supplies to be sent to Haiti, so watch out for those types of donation opportunities.

Either way, I would encourage you to do something. Help Haiti Rise.