Hurricane Katrina was the first natural disaster that I, as an adult, saw the effects of up close. Many families from New Orleans and the surrounding area joined their family and friends here in the metro Atlanta area. Nearly a dozen children enrolled in my kid’s elementary school. These families arrived with only what they could fit into their car. As a school, we collected clothes, pots/dishes, and food but what was needed more than anything was money. I gained a new understanding of how one should donate after a disaster. For example, the toothpaste I got free with a coupon was great to help with their immediate need but did nothing for the mortgage on the house they just lost or to replace their furniture, wardrobe, toys, etc.
The Red Cross is already at work in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. Please considering donating any amount you can to the American Red Cross, or another reputable organization sending funds, supplies, and volunteers to Haiti. Don’t forget to check with your employer to see if they will match your donation.
While the tweets going around claiming American Airlines and Jet Blue are sending doctors and nurses to Haiti for free are false, it is true that texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999 will donate $10 to the American Red Cross.
My kids and I are working on a way we can donate money to the American Red Cross at their level. The question of the afternoon here at the Woodman house – How can a 9 and 11 year old raise money in a short period of time to donate to the American Red Cross?
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What if they went through their books and sold the ones they don’t want on eBay or half.com? Not sure that’s quick enough turn around for you though. Bake sales are always good. I’d buy baked goods for a few robotics snacks.
Sorry – me again. I just read about a bike ride to raise money for animal shelters. What if the kids organized their friends to have a ride for Haiti? They could get sponsors to raise the money.