The Red Cross has helped more than 1.3 million people since the January 12 earthquake, and we will continue to aid hundreds of thousands more in Haiti in the months ahead until the last donated dollar is spent.

Due to the many complexities of this disaster – and the extraordinary needs of the Haitian people – the emergency relief phase could last up to 12 months. The American Red Cross has already spent or allocated $80 million of the $323 million donated so far to meet the most urgent needs of Haiti’s earthquake survivors. 69 percent of the funds have been for food and water; 20 percent for shelter, and 11 percent for health and family services.

Our hearts go out to the people of Chile, as they cope with the immediate aftermath of this devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake and its aftershocks.

• 2 million people have been affected by the Feb. 27 quake
• 500,000 homes have been seriously damaged and 1.5 million others have sustained damage

The Chilean government will accept international aid in several sectors: 4 field hospitals, telecommunications equipment, electrical generators, and search and rescue teams. The American Red Cross has pledged $250,000 for relief operations in Chile and stands ready to mobilize additional support, including relief supplies, trained personnel and additional financial assistance.

Following a request for international assistance from the Chilean Red Cross, the American Red Cross is now accepting donations specifically for response and recovery in Chile.  You can donate using any of these methods:

• Go to the website: www.redcross.org
• Call 1-800-REDCROSS
• Text "CHILE" to 9099
• Mail or bring your donation to the Moore County Chapter office (mail checks to P.O. Box 407, Southern Pines, NC 28388)

As of March 2, the Moore County Chapter of the American Red Cross, representing Moore and Richmond counties, has received just over $30,000 in donations directed to the relief efforts in Haiti. Support has been tremendous. Donations have come from so many sources!

• Churches, large and small
• Organizations such as the West Southern Pines Civic Club and The Christian Closet of Hamlet
• Small businesses like Hot and Healthy Yoga
• School children from North Moore High School, Vass-Lakeview Elementary School, and Southern Pines Primary School
• The staff of West End Elementary
• And hundreds of private donors, including children donating birthday money and emptying their piggy banks.

We thank each and every one of you who have donated to the American Red Cross for Haiti!