The outpouring of support for the people of Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake has been remarkable, and Girl Scouts across the country have pitched in to help in many different ways. We know, however, that after natural disasters like these, sending funds is often the best way to help.

Given the catastrophic events in Haiti, the Girl Scouts of the USA Executive Committee unanimously adopted, and the National Board this morning ratified, the following:

This now makes it possible for our girls to raise much needed funds for relief efforts in Haiti. Please take note that the money our girls raise can be contributed only to the agencies listed at the bottom of this page. Much of Haiti is in ruins and a second major earthquake struck the country on Wednesday. The loss of life and suffering has been heartbreaking. We hope that this action by the National Board will serve as yet another opportunity for all of us as a Movement to do what we can to help the people of Haiti in their time of need.

GIRL SCOUTS OF HISTORIC GEORGIA GUIDELINES
Fundraising for Haitian Relief Efforts

1. Troops will be asked to submit a fundraising application to ensure council-wide coordination and compliance with guidelines and policies.
2. Money may be deposited into the troop account and a check written to one of the organizations listed above.
3. The troop may give the donor a receipt from the troop accepting the funds. (If the donor plans to give a very large donation, perhaps the troop could direct them to the organizations listed above.) Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Inc. will not be able to furnish receipts for the contributions.
4. Troops may collaborate with businesses but are asked not to go door to door soliciting funds.
5. Troop leaders are asked to review the “Group Money-Earning Activities” section of Safety-Wise.
6. Troops are encouraged to submit their community service hours for their participation in the Haitian Relief Efforts.

Some suggested activities: making and selling items, washing cars, recycling beverage cans, participating in special events in the community for the Haitian Relief Efforts, hosting a neighborhood yard sale, offering a service such as babysitting as a troop or pet walking, or perhaps having a collection container at a troop’s cookie booth “Change for Haitian Relief Efforts”.

Our girls, volunteers, supporters and our local communities know that Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Inc. has on going fundraising efforts on behalf of our girls. It is so important that our communities also know that Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia wholeheartedly supports the girls’ involvement in efforts to help those devastated by the earthquake in Haiti.

LIST OF AGENCIES

The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is accepting donations through its
International Response Fund.

Pan American Development Foundation
The foundation is encouraging people to donate through its Web site at www.PanAmericanRelief.org.

UNICEF
UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti
via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.

Oxfam
You can donate to online at Oxfam America at www.oxfamamerica.org.

Save The Children
Save the Children has launched an emergency relief effort for Haiti.
Donate to Save the Children.

Mercy Corps
Donate online, or call 1-888-256-1900 or send checks to:
Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund
Dept NR
PO Box 2669
Portland, OR 97208

Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders has set up clinics to treat people in Haiti. Donate to Doctors Without Borders.

The UN World Food Programme
The UN World Food Programme is gathering all available resources to deliver food to the recently homeless and impoverished in Haiti. Donations can be made through www.wfp.org/donate/haiti

CARE
CARE is deploying emergency team members to Port-au-Prince to assist in recovery efforts. It’s focusing its efforts on rescuing children who may still be trapped in schools that collapsed. Donate to CARE.

The International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee is deploying an emergency response team to Haiti. Donate to the IRC Haiti Crisis Fund.

World Vision
World Vision has more 370 staff members in the Haiti. Donate to World Vision.

United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)
This fund is used for emergencies like the earthquake in Haiti. Donate online.