On January 12, Haiti was hit with the strongest earthquake since 1770. The magnitude of the quake was 7.0 leaving more than three million people in need of emergency aid. Throughout the world, people and organizations are banding together in order to send relief to the people of Haiti. The American Red Cross has spent nearly 78 million dollars to help the survivors focusing on three key areas of relief. The American Red Cross is working to send food, provide clean drinking water as well as collecting and distributing items for shelter. Along with the work of the Red Cross, the World Health Organization is managing the United Nations and other groups who are trying to bring medical care to the people of Haiti. Through their efforts, the survivors of the earthquake are receiving vaccines, medicines and other supplies.

Assemblyman McKevitt is urging people to donate to any of the number of organizations that are aiding in the relief effort. It is important to remember however, that many people will use this tragedy as a way to solicit contributions. McKevitt wants to remind others to be skeptical of phone calls asking for donations as well as emails that show pictures of the disaster. It is important to make contributions to known organizations to guarantee your donation will be sent directly to the survivors of the earthquake who need it most. For a full list of organizations you can visit CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2010/

LIVING/01/13/haiti.earthquake. how.to.help/index.html). “During times of tragedy, it is truly inspiring how people in this area respond to help those in need. We need to ensure that assistance is delivered to those who need it the most” stated McKevitt.