A Few More Ideas to Help Haiti

There are so many generous people out there so willing to help and to share ideas for helping.  I wanted to share a few more that I have come across since yesterday.  Check the post from yesterday to see my initial ideas.

• Sovereign Grace Ministries.  Hubby and I love this ministry.  We were members of churches affiliated with them for years.  They have opened a disaster relief fund that will work with contacts on the island to distribute relief.  Here is a link to create an account and consider donating.  Here is the email I received from them detailing their fund:

Friends,

In response to the devastating earthquake that occurred in Haiti on Tuesday, Sovereign Grace Ministries has opened a Disaster Relief fund to help deliver food, medicine, and other needed aid there. We will distribute the funds we raise primarily through existing ministry contacts we have on the island—both in Haiti and the Dominican Republic—who are already involved in relief efforts.

If you want to join us in our support of these efforts, you can donate to the Disaster Relief fund on our website or by calling 800.736.2202. On behalf of our friends in Haiti, thank you for considering this opportunity to give.

Regardless of your ability to make a donation, please join us in praying that those affected by the earthquake would receive aid quickly, and that despite these hardships the gospel would continue to go forward in that nation.

With appreciation,

Patrick Ennis
Executive Director
Sovereign Grace Ministries

• Samaritans Purse.  This is another organization that I love.  They are most known for their Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes.  Samaritans Purse is offering aid to Haiti.  Click this link to go to their main page.  You can view a video plea by Franklin Graham plus see updates via news feeds plus click through to donate.  Click this link to read about their immediate response plus ongoing needs.
• Salvation Army.  The Salvation Army has a huge disaster relief effort going right now.  Click here to learn more and donate.
  
• Bargain Shopping.  I hadn't thought of this way to help.  You will need to check with your local Red Cross or Salvation Army to see if they are accepting non-monetary donations for Haiti.  If you are an avid bargain shopper, you may have some items that could be used for disaster relief in your stockpile.  Most groups that are accepting non-monetary donations will not accept liquid items.  Do you have extra toothbrushes?  Bars of soap?  Diabetes meters?  All these things and more may be helpful.  If your area is not currently accepting things like these, consider donating them either at a later time or at another agency that just provides local aid.  Many times during times of disaster, the local agencies fall by the wayside.  Let's not forget those in need in our own backyards.
• Small businesses.  Many small businesses are donating a portion of their profits to relief aid.  Check with your local Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Southern Living, etc business owners to see if they are participating.
  

Most importantly, PRAY.   Seek God about how He wants you to bless others.