Long Beach, January 15, 2010-Local residents have been reaching out to the Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross to offer their help since the January 12 Earthquakes struck Haiti.  Dozens of people have called to inquire how to help.  Many want to host fund raisers on behalf of the victims.

Cub Scout Pack 126, Dens 5&6 Justin Hosler, Micha Castillo, Ethan Dwinell, Noah Devine raised $57.03 by recycling bottles, including students from LBCC are picking up donations “buckets” to host special events at their school.  Other groups, including Cambodian leaders are planning to work in their business community and retail stores are featuring 10% donations to Red Cross on a certain day.

People asking about product donations should know the generous thought is appreciated, but Red Cross cannot accept them.  These items have best impact donated locally.

People interested in volunteering should know Red Cross needs volunteers locally. Visit:  redcrosslb.org for a listing of volunteer activities.  Volunteers on International assignments require special training.  Therefore, spontaneous volunteers are not going to Haiti.

In the 48 hours since the earthquake struck, Red Cross has received nearly $35 million in donations.  More than half of the donations have been through online contributions, with strong support as well from corporations and unprecedented activity in mobile giving.  The response has been impressive and moving, and the donations to the American Red Cross have exceeded the totals amounts received in the first 48 hours of both Katrina and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

The Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross serves the communities of Artesia, Bellflower, Catalina Island, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Paramount and Signal Hill and is ready to respond at a moment’s notice when help is needed.  Red Cross volunteers make it possible to provide disaster relief, serve the military and their families, enable youth to learn leadership skills, train others in Red Cross fundamentals, and teach life saving CPR and First Aid. The Greater Long Beach Chapter is a United Way Partner in Bridging the Gap in the communities it serves.