A month after the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, volunteer efforts around the country have been pulling together to help one of the most impoverished countries in the world, in it's time of need.

According to Chuck Morrison, the executive director of the Snohomish County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 10 million dollars was released for earthquake relief efforts just two days after the event, however, volunteer efforts and donations are still desperately needed.

The Associated Student Body discussed the possibility of fundraising money for Haiti relief during a Jan. 15 meeting. Because of school fundraising regulations, Everett Community College will not be raising money for the cause, according to Sarah Ade, special events coordinator for ASB.

The regulations prohibit collecting money from students for non-profit organizations because it is considered gifting of state funds, which is against school policy.
"You can do a drive for items, but not for cash," says Ade. "A lot of non-profit organizations have stopped accepting item donations because taking money is easier."
Student Senator Andrew Zinkle brought the issue to the table, suggesting that they raise money for the American Red Cross, but was informed that there was nothing ASB could do.

Zinkle will be putting up posters for the American Red Cross around campus and hopes that students will donate on their own.
"The posters are not very graphic. I'm hoping that they [students] have seen pictures of Haiti and they can make the connection," Zinkle said. "The more we remind people, the more they might stop and consider donating."

If you want to help, there are other places around Snohomish County who are pulling together their resources and volunteers to help the cause.

In Mukilteo, The Eagle's Nest Foundation- a non-profit organization that ships medical supplies to impoverished countries- is currently looking for donations and volunteers. The foundation depends on supply donations from local hospitals and clinics, as well as cash donations from the public.
Since the earthquake, the organization has airlifted two containers full of medical supplies to the hospitals and clinics currently operating in Haiti. The 40-foot containers cost approximately $6,500 to package and ship, according to co-founder Jeanne Kimn.

Because of the nature of items being shipped, volunteers with a medical background are constantly needed and encouraged to help. This is "a perfect opportunity for nursing students," said Kimn, who is also a retired nurse.

Other places to donate:
The American Red Cross. Students can text "Haiti" to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or call the local chapter at (425) 252-4103.
UNICEF, the United Nations children's fund, has worked in Haiti since 1949. To donate, go to tinyurl.com/UNICEFdonate.
Mercy Corps, based in Portland, Ore., is deploying a team to Haiti. Go to tinyurl.com/mercycorpsdonate.