We have been receiving calls at the desk requesting information about local relief efforts.
Our Lady of Sorrows Church will, in conjunction with the sister church, St. Camillus, hold a prayer vigil at St. Camillus Friday evening at 7 PM. They will also be collecting relief donations at all masses this weekend. For more information please call 301.891.3500
Our Lady of Sorrows is a central meeting point for Haitian residents in Takoma Park. The Creole French mass at the church is held at 2 PM on Sunday afternoons and the usual attendance is about 150 to 200, on special occasions over 450 come. The priest who conducts this mass, Father Arsene Jasmin, flew to Haiti for a retreat last Monday. His parishioners have been unable to contact him. Updated 01/15: He is now in contact with his friends and family
We are now receiving calls requesting links to various charitable organizations.
Texting Donations:
Red Cross: Text HAITI to 90999 ($10 donation)
Online:
American Red Cross
CARE
AmeriCares
Doctors without Borders
Partners in Health
Save the Children
ShelterBox (US donations)
and many more:
The CNN list
The Washington Post list
Always check out the ratings of charities and beware of the plentiful scams. Do not respond to e-mail, phone, or social messaging solicitations. And if donating online, be certain you are at the authorized, official site of your chosen charity.