Video

Many people think that all of the resources raised by the American Red Cross for the Haitian relief effort was going all the way to Haiti, and of course the vast, vast majority of it is.

But there are also quite a few Haitians who have been able to leave the island and come to the United States on temporary visas, staying with family and friends as their country recovers.  These people need Red Cross assistance as well, after they lost everything in the disaster.

The Tri-County Red Cross is taking the lead for many of these families, having already assisted more than 70 families with food, clothing, personal care items and for the kids books and toys.  Many of the Haitians speak Creole and have little English, and we are very fortunate to have a number of volunteers you can see in the video below who speak Creole and are giving their time for this effort.

Today we partnered with the Jefferson Park Ministries in Elizabeth, NJ to provide help.  You can see in this video how many people need our assistance, and in a small way you can see what your support has done for them.  Please pay particular attention to the baby in a blue sleeper in the middle of the video -- he was born in Haiti after the earthquake.  It's a heartbreaking story that, thanks to you, got a little brighter today.




That's one heck of a smile at the end.

(Please forgive the typo in the video title!)

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Support the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Fund.

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Here is some video of the opening of the North Plainfield Shelter after the Nor 'Easter of March 2010. The famous folks here are Tri-County Red Cross Emergency Services Director Mike Prasad and Disaster Volunteer Leader Terri Esposito of south Plainfield.

Part of sheltering is also making sure people have food to eat, and we generally ask local restaurants to donate. We are happy to say that DiMola's Pizzaria of North Plainfield donated pizza and soda for the families who had to leave their homes. Here's some video of them. Manager Anthony Hernandez is the guy to thank!

The following are the current responses by the American Red Cross to the Chilean earthquake which appears to have caused a tsunami that is heading for Hawaii.  Remember these are the initial responses as we await more information from the local authorities and Red Cross representatives about what is needed from the American Red Cross.

For those looking to volunteer there are Red Cross chapters in every country in South and Central America who are mobilizing, and the American Red Cross is likely not to be asked for volunteers at this time.  We do have some people in South America already on other assignments who will be offering their assistance.

We are not accepting donations specifically for Chile at this time, but if you would like to make a contribution to the American Red Cross International Disaster Fund to support American Red Cross efforts in Chile, the Haiti Earthquake response and other international relief efforts you can do so with this link:

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Funds donated using this button go to the American Red Cross International Disaster Fund and are used to respond to disasters such as the recent Haiti and Chilean Earthquakes.

At this time (Satuday at about 3:15 p.m. EST) , the American Red Cross will be responding with the following:

• The American Red Cross has released $50,000 for immediate response action if needed, and stands ready to mobilize additional support, including relief supplies, trained personnel or financial assistance.
• The American Red Cross has staff in the region and is working to obtain information on the situation.
• In response to tsunami warnings for Hawaii and other areas in the Pacific, and the American Red Cross chapters in Hawaii, Guam and American Samoa are on stand by and are ready to respond if needed. The Red Cross encourages people in Hawaii, Guam or American Samoa to make contact with their families. An easy way to notify loved ones is to register on the Safe and Well feature of redcross.org or by calling 866-438-4636
• The American Red Cross will continue to monitor the situation and communicate with the International Federation on future action.

Here is a video from the American Red Cross International Response Fund that will tell you more:


Note: For concerns about US citizens living in affected areas in Chile, you may contact the US Department of State on 888.407.4747.

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Donations made to this button will be contributed to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which is funding the relief for the Haiti Earthquake

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On Thursday, January 14 2010 FIOS 1 News came to the Tri-County Red Cross to see how the chapter was responding to the overwhelming response of volunteers and donors after the Haitian earthquake. Many volunteers and staff are shown, as well as people who just stopped in to donate. Check the report out.

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Donations made to this button will be contributed to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund, which is funding the relief for the Haiti Earthquake

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Disaster Services Technology Manager Keith Robertory explains satellite communications technology Red Cross workers have taken to assist in relief efforts in Haiti.