Remember the news about Hurricanes Gustav and Ike? Gustav broke up upon approach and spared New Orleans from another Katrina-like disaster, while Ike wreaked havoc on Houston and killed 23 people.
But that was just the American edition. Move your finger south on the map to a whole different reality in Haiti that has been virtually ignored by the American media.
Over the course of three weeks, four hurricanes hit this small island nation. Gustav, Ike, Hanna and Fay killed hundreds and have decimated the island’s already paltry food stores, risking the lives of thousands more. Floods and rising waters bring threats of typhoid and malaria.
A Haitian child sits next to an improvised kitchen after four hurricanes ravaged the island. (courtesy of Save the Children)
The hunger crisis in Haiti is dire. Fortunately many competent and reliable organizations are working hard to provide relief. Donating to these organizations or providing them volunteer hours is simple. If this news sits in your heart, I urge you to help. Below are just a handful organizations I think are doing good work.
Feed My Starving Children World Vision
World Food Programme Save the Children
(Some are ‘faith-based.’ Some aren’t. All have a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.)
If you know of others, share them in the comments!
