FREEPORT, IL (January 13, 2010) -- The American Red Cross has begun relief efforts in Haiti and the local Northwest Illinois Chapter is participating in the International Relief Operation. Chapter staff have received phone calls from area residents seeking aid finding loved ones last known to be in Port Au Prince, and area residents are bringing in donations already, said Chapter Executive Director Diana Roemer.
"We have already received one donation, and we expect the generous people of Northwest Illinois to continue to respond in the coming days," Roemer said.
The Red Cross honors donor intent; those who want to give directly to the Haitian response may bring their donations by or mail them to the Red Cross offices in Freeport, and mark them "Haiti" in the memo section of the check. The Chapter can also process cash and credit card donations, or PayPal donations made directly from this site, Roemer added.
Presently, no local volunteers will be going to Haiti, but that doesn't mean that the Chapter won't be sending some of its volunteers as time goes on, said Scott Allshouse, director of emergency and disaster services.
For now, it is not possible for the local Red Cross to locate loved ones, but the International Red Cross has sent tracing experts to Haiti, Roemer said.
"No tracing inquiries are currently be accepted regarding Haitian residents. Those seeking U.S. citizens in Haiti should contacts the U.S. Dept. of State, Office of Overseas, at (888) 407-4747," she said.
The Red Cross often receives requests for in-kind donations -- such as furniture, clothing, and the like, but such items cannot be accepted, Roemer noted.
Wednesday, American Red Cross National Headquarters officials announced the Red Cross has pledged an initial $1 million to assist communities impacted the quake, and is prepared to take further action as local responders assess the situation.
“Initial reports indicate widespread damage in Port au Prince, with continuing aftershocks,” says Tracy Reines, director of international disaster response for the American Red Cross. “As with most earthquakes, we expect to see immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.”
The American Red Cross has made available all of the relief supplies from its warehouse in Panama which would provide for basic needs for approximately 5,000 families. In addition, it is deploying a disaster management specialist to Haiti, and has additional disaster specialists on standby if needed.
The American Red Cross has an extensive partnership with the Haitian Red Cross, which is expected to lead the Red Cross response to the earthquake.
The American Red Cross has staff on the ground in Haiti who provide ongoing HIV/AIDS prevention and disaster preparedness programs.
The Haitian Red Cross was founded in 1932 and is one of the primary organizations in the country responding to disasters. Although earthquakes are less common, Haiti is frequently impacted by hurricanes including those in 2008, and the Haiti Red Cross has developed experience in disaster response due those disasters.
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