7.0 Earthquake Hits Haiti Hospital Collapses

[LinasK]

Story Published: Jan 13, 2010 at 3:14 PM PST
Story Updated: Jan 13, 2010 at 4:59 PM PST

A major disaster like the earthquake in Haiti brings out the good in people wanting to help, but it also brings out the scammers looking to make a quick buck.

The Internet has already been flooded with postings on message boards, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter -- you name it -- asking for donations to help.

Many are legit, but some are not.

<snip>
You also need to be wary of phone calls or e-mails asking for money. If you get a call, ask these questions:

- Where are you located?

- Are you registered in Washington State?

- How will my donation be used?

- What percentage actually goes to help the quake victims?

"The solicitor should be very willing and take the time to answer any questions," Sherrell says. "Anything rushed or 'we've got to have it now' type of an attitude, to me that's a red flag and you probably don't want to follow up with a donation."

Also ask them to send you information. Even in an emergency situation like the earthquake in Haiti, a legitimate charity will be happy to do so.

At my house we have a rule of not giving money to phone solicitors. You just can't really tell who is on the other end of the line.

And if it's a paid solicitor, as much as 90 percent of your donated dollar could go to the telemarketing firm.

Same thing with e-mail donations. I never click on the donate link because I can't be sure it's not going to a phishing site or other scam service.

To play it safe I send a check directly to the charity or go online directly to the group's Web site. more at link: http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/81365447.html

 

[Hopeful One]

It heart-warming to see the whole world come together to help the Haitian people with all the different countries putting differences aside and work together for one cause.

Absolutely. It makes me feel so good to see everyone pulling together after a disaster. I don't care who they are, what country it is - they are people in need and I will give whatever I can to help. We are all just human beings, for God's sake. If we don't help each other, where is this world headed???

 

[Nova]

Hey, LinasK! Thanks for all the coverage and links.

There but for the grace of God, eh?

 

[arielilane]

This photo caught my attention. The statue of Jesus on the cross was untouched by the earthquake&#8230;

More photos at link. Warning: Contains disturbing photos.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34845446/ns/news-picture_stories/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1

 

[Luzer]

after we give them money, how long will it be before they start talking bad about us and state how they hate us?


It happens all the time.....I think our own country needs our money...I won't be sending any money to them...

I give to charities in OUR country. For American children.

I feel sorry for Haiti...but they will turn on us in the future....mark my words.

Many countries do expect our largess and other help, only to badmouth us at their leisure.

However, I don't think Haiti would do this. IMO, over 50% of the Haitian population would immigrate to the US if allowed. So many have absolutely nothing there and no chance of ever getting ahead.

I, too, choose to make my regular donations to US children. For this catastrophe, I would choose to help monetarily.

Of course, all donations are always a private decision.

 

[capps]

This photo caught my attention. The statue of Jesus on the cross was untouched by the earthquake…

More photos at link. Warning: Contains disturbing photos.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34845446/ns/news-picture_stories/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1

The statue of Jesus untouched by earthquake...now THAT'S amazing grace.

 

[KaylynnCouture]

My thoughts, prayers, and full support go out to all the people of Haiti.

My husband is leaving shortly for Haiti (he is a heart surgeon, and is going with several doctors from his hospital to deliver medical supplies and hopefully help with the medical efforts there). If everyone could please say a prayer that he stays safe and comes home soon, that would be so much appreciated.

I have been to Haiti MANY times on mission trips. The Haitian people are great people- very kind, thankful for anything they receive, and willing to help. My prayers go out to them during this unthinkably hard time. I hope that everyone helps, whether it's a financial donation, donating their time, donating clothes/food/water/supplies/etc..

 

[lizzybeth]

My thoughts, prayers, and full support go out to all the people of Haiti.

My husband is leaving shortly for Haiti (he is a heart surgeon, and is going with several doctors from his hospital to deliver medical supplies and hopefully help with the medical efforts there). If everyone could please say a prayer that he stays safe and comes home soon, that would be so much appreciated.

I have been to Haiti MANY times on mission trips. The Haitian people are great people- very kind, thankful for anything they receive, and willing to help. My prayers go out to them during this unthinkably hard time. I hope that everyone helps, whether it's a financial donation, donating their time, donating clothes/food/water/supplies/etc..

My prayers are with your husband and all others that are going to help, as well as the people of Haiti.

 

[Hopeful One]

This photo caught my attention. The statue of Jesus on the cross was untouched by the earthquake…

More photos at link. Warning: Contains disturbing photos.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34845446/ns/news-picture_stories/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1

What a beautiful and amazing picture. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Hopeful One]

My thoughts, prayers, and full support go out to all the people of Haiti.

My husband is leaving shortly for Haiti (he is a heart surgeon, and is going with several doctors from his hospital to deliver medical supplies and hopefully help with the medical efforts there). If everyone could please say a prayer that he stays safe and comes home soon, that would be so much appreciated.

I have been to Haiti MANY times on mission trips. The Haitian people are great people- very kind, thankful for anything they receive, and willing to help. My prayers go out to them during this unthinkably hard time. I hope that everyone helps, whether it's a financial donation, donating their time, donating clothes/food/water/supplies/etc..

How wonderful for your husband to lend his help. I will say prayers for him. It's good work he's doing.

My heart is just breaking over this. I can't watch enough coverage of it. I donated and wish I could do more. Those poor people.

 

[smart blonde]

This photo caught my attention. The statue of Jesus on the cross was untouched by the earthquake&#8230;

More photos at link. Warning: Contains disturbing photos.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34845446/ns/news-picture_stories/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1

I challenge anyone who thinks the United States should not help the people of Haiti to look at these pictures- really look, at each and every one- and not feel compassion flood their hearts.

This is one of those times when borderlines do not matter.

These pictures of the devastation, of people- and babies- laying dead in the street, of other people alive, but their bodies torn to shreads, the faces of the survivors, traumatized beyond comprehension... they are disturbing- unbelieveably disturbing- but even more disturbing, to me, is that one could look at them and not be affected.

As I sit here, in front of my computer that runs on electricty, with a roof over my head, and walls around me for protection, a bed with blankets to sleep on in the other room, food in my cabinets, water easily accessible from my kitchen faucet, a toilet to use in privacy, a telephone right next to me to use if I choose to get ahold of my loved ones (whom I am quite certain are safe)..... I truly feel helpless, and guilty, that I am unable to help in every way possible.

I wish I had millions to give. I wish I could go to Haiti myself, and help unbury the dead from the rubble. Help comfort the suffering. Help in any way I can.

It's okay to have compassion for people you will never even meet, on a different part of the planet you may never get to. In fact, it's what makes people 'human'.

Haiti may be a different country, but we all share one planet.

 

[songline]

Lance Armstrong Donates $250,000 to Haitian Relief

LIVESTRONG is pledging $250,000 in humanitarian aid to Partners in Health, led by Paul Farmer,
and Doctors Without Borders.


<<SNIP>>
First it was Wyclef Jean, then Brad and Angelina Jolie and now Lance Armstrong has vowed to help the people of Haiti by donating $250,000 to help rebuild the earthquake-devastated Haiti.

The former Tour de France champion has only opened his checkbook to help the cause, he's urging fans to do the same. And we may not have the kind of money he has, but every dollar counts.
<<more at link>>

http://www.hollyscoop.com/lance-arm...00-to-haitian-relief_22730.aspx?source=alerts

 

[songline]

after we give them money, how long will it be before they start talking bad about us and state how they hate us?


It happens all the time.....I think our own country needs our money...I won't be sending any money to them...

I give to charities in OUR country. For American children.

I feel sorry for Haiti...but they will turn on us in the future....mark my words.

I am sorry but I find this extremely offensive.:furious:
These are human beings in the most distressed and horrific conditions.
I cant stop the pain in my heart, the suffering I see in these pictures,
If you cant spare $5.00 just keep your mouth shut.

 

[songline]

This photo caught my attention. The statue of Jesus on the cross was untouched by the earthquake&#8230;

More photos at link. Warning: Contains disturbing photos.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34845446/ns/news-picture_stories/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1

WOW ! what an awesome photo. It caught my eye too, It is as if despite all the rubble surrounding it,
the cross still stands untouched. That cross makes me feel like God is there helping right now. Thank you God.
It Should become a poster of these times, great photo.

 

[songline]

Aid begins flowing to Haiti :clap: :clap:
January 14, 2010 -- Updated 0507 GMT (1307 HKT)

Anderson Cooper interviews former President Bill Clinton tonight on AC360° at 10 p.m. ET.
http://www.clintonfoundation.org/haitiearthquake/ CAN DONATE HERE

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Aid started flowing into Haiti Wednesday in the wake of the earthquake that slammed the impoverished nation late Tuesday afternoon

<<<Much more at link - and several videos too >>>

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/01/13/haiti.aid.response/index.html

 

[gaia227]

I am sorry but I find this extremely offensive.:furious:
These are human beings in the most distressed and horrific conditions.
I cant stop the pain in my heart, the suffering I see in these pictures,
If you cant spare $5.00 just keep your mouth shut.

:clap:

 

[songline]

How to Help
A List of Charities.

GREAT LIST - really fantastic....

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/13/world/main6090814.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody

 

[songline]

American Students Missing in Haiti
(CBS) Half the members of a group on what was to be a weeklong humanitarian mission to Haiti from Florida's Lynn University are unaccounted for in the wake of Tuesday's earthquake.
<<<more at link>>>
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/14/earlyshow/main6096295.shtml?tag=latest

 

[feddup]

And I must add, the people of Haiti have been struggling for so long with substandard conditions (ie' housing, food, healthcare, etc) yet they are rich in their customs and family. To have this happen is just devistating. We take so much for granted in life.

I was there when I was 5, it was a live effecting experience. Children in dirty clothes comming up to me at the port feeling my dress and trying to take the bows from my hair. I took them out myself and gave them to 2 beautiful little girls. I remember the look on their face and then they hugged me. My mother was angry that I had given the bows away. My mother....who only wanted the best things in life that died at 47 and as they say you cant take it with you.

What do I give money every year to Habitat for Humanity for????? So people continue to live in homes made of cement where the thousand pound cement roofs just collapse upon those poor people! Also, where does all the feed the children and send a third world child to school millions that people donate go? Seeing the pictures of even before the earthquake, I cannot see that it has helped the people of Haiti.

I am bitter this morning that we spend so much on war, and prisons, and cosmetic surgery, hot tubs on our lanais, vacations to these countries and expect great service and accomodations, etc, etc ,etc, while people dont have indoor plumbing much less a "real" house and they have probably never had a ribeye steak with all the trimmings.

I cry for the people of Haiti, for their poverty sticken communities and now for the loss of lives that never had starbucks and all the cruises I have been on.

I have said my peace.

the war and prisons.....im with you...think of how much that money could HELP people and make it so much better. Although I do think we need prisons. Certain people shouldnt be runing around loose!
They said the main prison in Haiti went down and prisoners were on the loose, this is a chaotic mess, I feel for the people.
Its just one of those horrible disasters that people dont see coming.

 

[feddup]

American Students Missing in Haiti
(CBS) Half the members of a group on what was to be a weeklong humanitarian mission to Haiti from Florida's Lynn University are unaccounted for in the wake of Tuesday's earthquake.
<<<more at link>>>
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/14/earlyshow/main6096295.shtml?tag=latest

There are so many people missing
I saw on a comment blog so many people asking if anyone had seen their
loved ones to email or call them. Id be desperate. I hope they find them.