So for some random-ass reason, Haiti, another already hard-luck country, gets worked by nature. I was watching CBC and CNN (who got their big stars i.e. Anderson and Sanjay on the ground pretty quick) and it's pretty gritty down there. Sadly, as privileged as we are and as much as we dream we can help, there's limits to what we can do, some donating, some true, mindful attempts to sympathize.
Slate.com explains how best to point your knee-jerk reaction to try and reach out through the screen and help. Sort of contradictory but not really, the writer acknowledges the natural knee-jerk, but says that pre-crisis donating to organizations is best. So if you're like me, and didn't think that far ahead, stick with cash. Also, donating to certain orgs is better than donating to others; and don't get grifted, either!
...give to organizations that are already working in the afflicted area. And, if possible, find organizations that already have disaster relief experience. InterAction has a list of member organizations doing relief work in each affected region. CNN and Charity Navigator partner on a site called Impact Your World, where you can find a list of "vetted" organizations working on the ground for any given disaster.
Finally, be alert for those seeking to take advantage of a crisis for their own gain. Watch out for suspicious e-mails and for people doing door-to-door solicitations. Even if the organization's name sounds impressive, make sure to check that it is an established organization with a substantial track record. There are times to take a risk and fund an up-and-coming organization, but the wake of a disaster probably isn't one of them.
Also, here's the direct link to the Red Cross Haiti donation page.
