Dear Friends,

On behalf of the entire Ripon College family, I would like to offer our most profound sympathies to the people of Haiti, and any members of our community who have been personally touched by this tragedy. In addition to the scale of the earthquake’s human cost, it is especially heartbreaking to realize that this long-troubled country had only recently begun to restore some of its institutions, grow economically, improve security and rebuild its government.

In the weeks and months to come, tales of human suffering and desperation in Haiti will abound. At the same time, however, we will see a massive and coordinated effort between nations and ordinary citizens to bring economic assistance, food, medicine, supplies, expertise and care – the ingredients of hope – to the resilient people of this nation. It should give us pause to consider all that we do not want for, and what we potentially could give to this effort.

In lieu of coordinating our own relief project at this time, we feel the fastest way for the Ripon College community to assist the people and relief workers in Haiti is through established and legitimate channels. As a starting point you might check out this excellent (and concise) article about the best way to help. You can also contact the Red Cross in one of the following ways:

1. Text HAITI to 90999 and a $10 donation will be made to the International Response Fund for Haiti ($10 will be added to your phone bill – this method is endorsed by the U.S. State Department)
2. Call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767)
3. Donate online at www.redcross.org
4. Send a check to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 and put “International Response Fund” in the memo line
   

The main message is that sending specific items (clothes, food, etc.) is not needed right now, nor is going to Haiti since experts are still assessing immediate needs. As the Slate.com article referenced above notes: “First, while donating tangible items might make you feel better, giving cash is almost always a better option. First responders call the deluge of unsolicited goods they receive the ‘second disaster,’ as shipping, sorting, storing, and distributing the goods takes valuable staff time away from other necessary tasks. Cash donations are particularly useful because they allow organizations to buy what is really needed, and, especially with disasters abroad, there aren't shipping delays and costs associated with the gift.”

Suggesting these avenues now does not assume we will not coordinate a separate effort in the future, however for now these are the best ways for you to help.

I welcome your ideas and input on other ways Ripon College can make a meaningful contribution to the people of Haiti, helping ensure that the future they had begun to write for themselves – the future they deserve – will still become a reality.

David C. Joyce
President