How to help Haitian earthquake victims

Newton — As American response to the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti takes shape, the Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross is accepting monetary donations that can be put toward helping victims of this disaster. Donors should designate on their checks or via e-mail that they want this donation specifically to help in Haiti. Donations can be mailed to the Sussex County Chapter, American Red Cross, 93 Spring St., Newton, NJ 07860 or can be made via e-mail to www.sussexredcross.org. Meanwhile, according to a statement issued Jan. 13 from the Sussex Chapter, “the National American Red Cross is responding to the earthquake in Haiti, and will be working with Red Cross partners there, as well as with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. At this time, the National American Red Cross has released $200,000 for immediate response action. “It is also making available all the relief supplies at its warehouse in Panama (enough for 5,000 families) in support of relief efforts. These supplies include blankets, kitchen sets, and water containers to meet immediate needs of survivors. As is typical in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, the full extent of damage is unknown at this time. However, as with most earthquakes, we expect to see immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.”