Haitian-born entertainer Wyclef Jean will helm the show from New York, and George Clooney will host the Los Angeles part. CNN's Anderson Cooper will be in Haiti.
We understand the telethon will be an all star event to help raise money for the relief efforts in the impoverished nation that suffered the second largest earthquake in recent history in that area of the world.Americans seeking news about family members in Haiti can call 1-888-407-4747, set up by the U.S. Department of State or use the Red Cross family link.
Below are links on how you can help.
You can check out charities before you donate on the Charity Navigator web site or through the Better Business Bureau or read wkyc.com article on avoiding scams.
- The American Red Cross is taking donations to its International Response Fund. Donations can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.
- The fastest way to donate may be by text. Text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross relief efforts. The amount will be added to your next cell phone bill.
- The Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations to assist in the effort via, its website, 1-800-SAL-ARMY and postal mail at: The Salvation Army World Service Office, International Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728. Designate donations "Haiti Earthquake."
- Unicef.org is also taking donations for Haiti earthquake victims.
- The U.S. Government is providing dedicated internet sites for those wishing to donate resources or assistance to the earthquake victims: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead agency for disasters outside the U.S. The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) is operating under a grant from USAID.
- In Northeast Ohio, www.medwish.org is taking donations. You can also reach the organization by calling 216.692.1685.
- Health Frontiers, is a charity founded by Case Western Reserve University doctors in 1991. It's accepting donations on its web site or by contacting them direct at 507.789.6725.
- Catholic Relief Services is pledging $5 million initially in its relief efforts. You can donate at the CRS website, by calling 1-877-HELP-CRS or by writing a check to Catholic Relief Services; PO Box 17090, Baltimore, MD, 21203-7090.
- Donations can be made directly to missionaries working in Haiti via: Christianville/STO; 1333 Lakeside Ave.; Cleveland, Ohio 44114
- You can find additional resources to help quake victims from USAToday.com.
- Expanded coverage on the earthquake and its aftermath, including additional resources to help victims at wkyc.com.
- The White House web site has posted President Obama's remarks on the disaster and has links to the Red Cross for those wishing to help.
