Tips For Helping The Haiti Earthquake Relief

Do Not Give To The Haitian Government – Haiti is thought by most to be a corrupt Country and after this large earthquake the reports indicate the government is hardly functioning at all.  Even if you are an eternal optimist and believe that the government would use your donation to help the people, remember that donations to a foreign government are NOT tax deductable in the United States.

Designate Your Investment – It is your donation, be specific about what you want the funds to be used for. Many charities will use your donation for good but it may not be in the way that you had intended to help.  Using a direct contribution network will not only allow you to help but will allow you to share in the success that you were an instrumental part of.

Do Not Send Supplies – Knowing that millions of people are desperately in need of food and water, it is hard not to want to pack up a box of supplies and send it to Haiti. This type of giving is not practical or very useful in THIS type of situation.  Most likely you would not be able to get a package delivered to Haiti right now. If you did, they have very little infrastructure to distribute your donation. It is best in this type of critical incident to make a donation to a relief effort that is coordinated with lots of support. Get involved; find out how to donate your time and skills.

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