Red Cross has mobilized more than 500 tons of aid - Jan. 19
  

UPDATE – Tuesday, January 19, 2010

More than 500 tons of Red Cross aid has been mobilized to Haiti since the earthquake one week ago.  Planes and trucks carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance are arriving in the region every day, delivering much-needed materials such as medical supplies, tarps, blankets, hygiene items, buckets, shelter supplies and kitchen sets.   In addition, the American Red Cross is donating 2.9 million pre-packaged meals from its stocks in the United States to the World Food Program for distribution in Haiti.

American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern is on the ground in Haiti visiting relief operations and helping to coordinate the distribution of aid.   She is meeting with Haitian Red Cross President Gedeon and will visit one of 11 mobile first aid posts where volunteers are working to treat wounded survivors.   There are more than 400 Red Cross workers from around the world in Haiti as well as thousands of local volunteers.  

Since the earthquake struck last Tuesday, the American Red Cross has raised nearly $112 million. (as of 5 p.m., Monday). Nearly two-thirds of the donations have been contributed through online channels, with more than $22 million pledged through mobile giving.  Roughly $500,000 has been donated by Coloradoans through the mobile giving campaign.  Carriers like Verizon are now releasing the funds early instead of waiting for people to pay their cell phone bills.  Verizon just released $3 million to the Red Cross based on text pledges. 

In the days ahead, the American Red Cross will provide supplies for temporary shelters in Haiti. Kits, containing wood, tarps, rope and tools, as well as tents and blankets, will be made available for an initial 20,000 families.  Approximately 100 American Red Cross Creole-speaking volunteers will be aboard the USNS Comfort to translate for patients.