Some Excerpts VIA: Huffingtonpost.com
With the passage of the 1994 King Holiday and Service Act, Martin Luther King day was transformed from a day of remembrance into a day of service. In 2009, President-Elect Barack Obama reinvigorated the holiday by rallying Americans in unprecedented numbers to volunteer for King Day of Service, which fell the day before Obama’s inauguration. Dr King often said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?” So, what are you doing? Instead of staying home and taking that day off, make it a day ON.
Last week, our loyal Buzz listeners answered Reverend King’s question, by donating personal care items to our Haiti Relief Drive. Because of the donations from Buzz listeners like you, the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King continues strong. I want to point out that just because our drive was last friday, doesn’t mean you can’t give to the Haiti victims anymore. There is a list below
- The American Red Cross is pledging an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by this earthquake. They expect to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. You can call the Cincinnati chapter at 513-579-3027.
- Kroger will begin accepting cash or check donations to the American Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Relief effort through January 30th. Plastic coin boxes will also be at each register of a store, for shoppers to donate their money.
- Matthew 25 Ministries in Kenwood has scheduled sixteen shipments of aid to depart as soon as they can confirm access to the affected areas. Until then you can donate the following items : cash donations, Canned and nonperishable food, Personal care products, Cleaning products, First Aid Supplies, Summer Clothing (Second Response Need). Ministries is also in need of volunteers. They are open from 8:30am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to noon on Saturdays.
- Save The Children has launched an emergency relief effort for Haiti. Donate to their fund to provide medical attention and clean water to children and families.
- The Salvation Army has staff on the ground and already the organization has set aside $50,000 in direct aid to the country but the organization is in need of additional donations. Donations can be made online or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For a local list of Salvation Army stores, click here.
For a comprehensive list of other organizations helping Haiti relief victims, click here.
