An injured child is rescued in Haiti. More by clicking on the image.

Simply horrifying images and stories out of Haiti. A friend who worked for the State Department in Haiti in the 1970′s told me that in his experience CARE is the most effective aid organization. It is not connected to any religion or government, and started out as the organization that sent Care packages to Europeans facing starvation in the aftermath of World War II — that’s where the term Care Package comes from. My friend tells me that when he was putting together aid programs in Haiti, CARE was consistently the best at developing grants that most effectively used aid dollars to directly reach the people in need. We Pumas will not be surprised, though i AM pleased, to read part of their About Page:

“We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE’s community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources.”

Ten of its 24 Board members are women, not too shabby, and the director of the Haiti region is an amazing woman, Sophie Perez. Donate HERE now, even a $5 donation goes a LONG way in Haiti.

The William J. Clinton Foundation is also an excellent place to send your relief money. They have one of the best track records in the world for getting the most aid for the dollar to people and communities in need. (You may get timed out trying to click on the Clinton link — apparently hundreds of thousands of people are trying to help through his foundation, a stunning testament to his stature as an effective humanitarian. (Fuck you Halperin for maligning him as a racist.)

At the Secy Clinton blog, you can read an excellent update on Sec. Clinton’s role and plans for Haiti. She was on the Today Show this morning:

Isn’t it interesting that Bill and Hillary Clinton have emerged as THE most powerful and effective couple of leaders when disaster strikes? Barack and Michelle? Ehhh, not so much.

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