From the desk of Robert Rappaport on Tuesday, January 19th 2010 at 10:34

UA HELPS IN HAITI RELIEF

Members of the University of Arizona community now have a drop-off site for donations to earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

Since the quake hit earlier this month, we've received numerous calls from people asking how they could help. The local chapter of the American Red Cross usually is the first place people think about when wanting to help, but that is not the only place providing aid.

The UA Office of International Student Programs and Services is collecting donated items such as baby formula, bandages and shampoo, toothpaste, flashlights, beans and rice for the earthquake survivors in Haiti.

The donations will be delivered to the Tucson-based nonprofit relief organization World Care. Donations will collected through Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 915 N. Tyndall Ave., from 8 a.m. until noon and 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

January 12, 2010: Around 5 p.m. on Tuesday a 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti just outside the capital Port-au-Prince. Information is still being reported, but we know that the damage is extensive. Homes, businesses, roads and a major hospital have been affected. This is the worst earthquake the country has seen in its history.

World Care will be partnering with several other international organizations delivering emergency relief.

EMERGENCY RELIEF SUPPLIES REQUESTED FOR HAITI'S EARTHQUAKE:

FIRST AID SUPPLIES: Antibiotic creams/ointments, antiseptic wipes, bleach in tablet form, Band-Aids, gauze and tape, first aid kits, gloves.

OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS: Pain relievers, tummy aids, antibiotic creams/ointments, liquid bandage (aka New Skin).

EMERGENCY NEEDS: Flashlights, DRY goods (beans/rice), infant/powder milk, supplemental drinks (i.e. Ensure), gently used of new blankets.

HYGIENE: Toothpaste and brushes, nail clippers, wash/face cloths, non-alcohol or baby shampoos, bar soaps such as Ivory.

Monetary donations are needed towards shipping, purchasing materials in/for the area. Mail checks to:

World Care
3538 East Ellington Place
Tucson, AZ 85713

In memo line put: Tools for ER or Haiti Relief

Follow the latest NPR news about Haiti

Nathan O. @ Feb 18, 2010

I think that the University of Arizona having a donation drop off destination for the relief effort in Haiti shows the awareness of college students in a good light. What I do find interesting is that they are taking donations including first aid supplies and a myriad of essential items. This is different from what relief organizations initially reported as most needed from potential donors--which was originally money. Money and only money. This comes in handy especially when dealing with the medical effort in Haiti. While essentials are in essence...essential. I do think that donating money to the relief organization would lead to a better alternative--allowing them to purchase essentials as needed and focus funding in areas exactly where they are needed. While the efforts are more than appreciated, I'm not sure if it is the best way of handling donations.

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