Earthquake help- send direct, do not text

[Irulan]

Emily everything I have heard or read through the last few big disasters ( the tsumani, Katrina et) says to give money as the cost of shipping things, plus the issue of getting the RIGHT things, is really an issue. I see you've got a list but care to clarify on this? I have read so many horror stories of well intentioned items that were not able to be used for any number of reasons.

I am certainly not going to send cases of food from Washington state as it's just not cost effective.

[ehirsch83]

they need food, but it has to be food that can be stored but also easily accessible. Hence, pop top cans. No need for a can opener. DO NOT send anything that needs a can opener or water to be edible.(since water is very scarce)

Medical items are needed- from OTC child and adult medications to alcohol wipes, neosporin, gauze, band aids, etc.

toiletries(soap,etc.)

Feminine products- sanitary napkins. Females in Haiti do not use Tampons, so do not send them!

BLANKETS!!

water and water purification tablets. Water is the big thing, in Port water is very scarce now, in the country- it comes from wells. The other thing is, the water isn't drinkable in Port right now, so purification tablets would be a big help for those in Port so they could drink the water that is there.

Bottled water!! it is purified and helps with the scarcity of water.

Diapers
infant wipes
infant formula

boxed milk

batteries

Those are some of the main things that are needed.
Notice, clothes are not on the list- that is not a necessity right now-it is in the 70s right now, what is needed is medical supplies,food,water, toiletries and infant supplies

[papaver]

I'm supporting these guys. http://www.msf.org/

[OakLeaf]

Here's what I read about sending goods rather than money: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/h...earthquake-aid

I'm splitting my donations between MSF/DWB and Action Aid.

[ny biker]

FWIW, the Red Cross (and other organizations) will be in Haiti for years dealing with this. They will still need the money 90 days from now.

[Irulan]

CNN did confirm the 90 day thing this am, however they said the organizations can borrow against it if they know it's coming. Or pre-spend it, something like that.

[Trek420]

Or they can have a sale I'm not kidding.

If you or anyone you know and love is anywhere on the Pacific Rim the odds are great that it's not if there will be a quake of that magnitude or greater but when. As we can see can be a while till the cavalry arrives.

We should strive to have an emergency kit at home, at work and in the car, heck even on the bike

While you could build your own kit, or get them at a hardware store .... buy 'em from the Red Cross. Heck get 3, get 3 for all your friends

They're red so get 'em for valentines day

http://www.redcrossstore.org