Maybe you’ve already donated money to the Haiti earthquake relief efforts, but are you wondering about other ways you can help? Although many organizations are only accepting monetary donations at the moment, there are groups collecting goods that you may have lying around. The benefits of donating what you already have on hand are double: you can help the earthquake survivors and help the environment by recycling.
If you haven’t gotten around to recycling that old cell phone in your closet or drawer, now’s the perfect time to do it with Phones for Haiti. The program accepts cell phone donations of all makes and models as well as batteries, chargers and any other accessories. Visit Phones for Haiti on the web to print a pre-paid shipping label to send in your old phones and accessories. ReCellular, the company behind Phones for Haiti, refurbishes the phone for re-sale. All money generated will go towards the American Red Cross’ earthquake relief efforts.
Do you have some shoes in good condition just collecting dust? Consider donating them to Soles4Souls. In the past, the organization has given away over 5.5 million pairs of shoes to people in over 125 countries, including survivors of the 2004 tsunami and Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. To aid victims of the Haitian earthquake, it has pledged over one million pairs of shoes. Many businesses across the country are collecting shoes for Soles4Souls. Visit their website to find drop-off locations near you.
Like Soles4Souls, Shoes 2 Share accepts shoe donations, which can be dropped off or shipped to its Delaware warehouse. Shoes 2 Share also takes new medical supplies, infant supplies such as diapers and wipes, and new toiletries-- perfect if you've got these items, haven't opened them but don't plan on using them.
While you’re digging around in your closet, check and see if you have any unused clothing or blankets. Fashion Delivers is accepting never-worn clothing for men and women in all sizes, underwear, socks, sheets and throws, all of which will be sent to earthquake survivors. For more information on the donation process, visit FashionDelivers.org.
There’s a good chance that churches and schools in your neighborhood are organizing supply drives, so give them a call to check. Your local newspaper, in either print or electronic form, is another handy resource you can consult to find out what Haiti relief efforts are going on around you. While money may be the most easily accepted form of donation, there are other ways you can give greenl
