Fort Lauderdale - March 20 - Fort Lauderdale has launched an initiative to coordinate and raise funds to donate to the American Red Cross for Haiti Relief efforts. This initiative includes:
Residents & Businesses
The City is urging residents and businesses to send monetary donations to the American Red Cross International Response Fund. The City is getting the word out by TV, radio, e-mail, mailings, and its web page.
The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to the disaster in Haiti, please do so at the time of your donation by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online.
Using your cell phone, you can donate $10 to Haiti relief by texting “Haiti” to 90999. A $10 charge will be added to your cell phone bill. 100% of the funds will go to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
City of Fort Lauderdale Announces Donation Drop-Off Sites for Haiti Relief
The City of Fort Lauderdale is partnering with Divine Mercy/St. Clement Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of South Florida to collect water, non-perishable foods, and medical supplies to aid the masses left destitute in Haiti. Starting Monday, February 1, 2010, residents and businesses are encouraged drop off items at City Hall and the Fire Stations listed below from 7am to 7pm daily, including weekends. Drop-off sites:
- City Hall, 100 N. Andrews Avenue
- Fire Station 2, 528 NW 2 Street
- Fire Station 13, 2871 E. Sunrise Boulevard
- Fire Station 35, 1841 E. Commercial Boulevard
- Fire Station 46, 1121 NW 9 Avenue
- Fire Station 47, 1000 SW 27 Avenue
- Fire Station 53, 2200 Executive Airport Way
- Fire Station 54, 3200 NE 32 Street
The items needed include:
- Water
- Non-perishable foods
- Canned goods (meat, salmon, tuna, sardines, corn, beans)
- Can openers
- Medical supplies (first aid kit, gauze, etc.)
- Baby wipes
- Blankets
- Evaporated (canned) milk
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Toilet paper
- Hygiene kits
- Sanitary pads
- Candles
- Matches
- School supplies
- Undergarments
- Disposable Diapers
City Employees
The City of Fort Lauderdale Employee Fundraising Drive encourages employees to make monetary donations to the American Red Cross International Response Fund via the options outlined above.
Faith Partners
The City of Fort Lauderdale is partnering with local churches, Haitian ministers, and community leaders to get the word out to the local community about the great need for assistance in Haiti.
Sister Cities International
Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International is partnering with the City with its own fundraising drive.
Temporary Protected Status
An informational session for Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 9:30 am - noon at North Side Elementary School, 120 NE 11th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Any individual seeking TPS must apply. Additional information can be found at www.uscis.gov or by calling 1-800-375-5283.
Resources
For local families impacted by the disaster in Haiti, the City is facilitating mental health counseling by Henderson Mental Health Center. For adults, call 954-463-0911; for children and youth, call 954-677-3113.
People trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Haiti should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 888-407-4747 or 202-647-5225.
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the lead agency for those arriving from Haiti needing assistance and can be contacted at www.dcf.state.fl.us/haiti.shtml.
U.S. citizens with pending adoption cases can e-mail HaitianAdoptions@dhs.gov for information.