Friday, January 22, 2010, 11:06 AM
Atlanta, In the News, Stop the Presses
By Kevin Moreau

Haiti: How to help

Last week in this space, I shared the opinion that the tragedy in Haiti came about not because that poor country’s residents made “a pact to the devil,” as Pat Robertson famously alleged, but because “the world is a beautiful and terrible place.”

We’ve seen a clear reminder of that beauty in the swift and passionate response to the devastation wrought by the earthquake. The outpouring of sympathy, the donations of money and goods, the deployment of personnel are all testament to the essential decency of mankind. It’s reassuring to know that between gleefully following the latest skirmishes in the late-night television wars and voluntarily subjecting ourselves to the train wreck that is “Jersey Shore,” we can still make time to focus on what really matters.

Of course, there’s so much more still to be done. As with any large-scale disaster, the effects will be felt for years to come. Even if you’ve already made a donation, I’d urge you to consider contributing to long-term reconstruction projects.

Meanwhile, if you haven’t yet reached out, or just don’t know where to turn, here are just a few of the many ways you can help. Note: Many organizations recommend cash donations rather than those of food, material or supplies, which can take up valuable space in transports and may not be suitable.

The American Red Cross is providing food, supplies, personnel and financial support to those affected by the disaster. 800-733-2767. www.redcross.org.

UNICEF is working to provide clean water, sanitation supplies, medical supplies and shelter, and is particularly concerned with children who have been separated from their families or homes. 800-4-UNICEF. www.unicef.org.

The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund directs donations from individuals, corporations and organizations to reliable charities. Donate $10 by texting “Quake” to 20222, or visit www.clintonbushhaitifund.org.

CARE, the humanitarian organization charged with fighting poverty across the globe through education, supplies and economic opportunity, is sending personnel, food and supplies ranging from mattresses to “bladders” capable of holding 5,000 liters of clean drinking water. 800-521-2273. www.care.org.

Doctors Without Borders is working to reinforce its current medical teams providing aid in Haiti and is asking for donations to its Emergency Relief Fund. 888-392-0392. www.doctorswithoutborders.org.

Habitat for Humanity is working to meet the needs of Haitians left homeless by the earthquake. 800-422-4828. www.habitat.org.

Lastly, if you know an Atlantan volunteering his or her time, labor or even their home to the relief effort or to displaced Haitians, let us know. We’ll include the most moving stories in our second annual Unsung Hero Awards in March. Until then, be safe.