Dear Friends,

I spent some time today reflecting on the stark contrast between life here in Northfield and what it must be like in Haiti today.

I woke up this morning in a warm bed knowing that my family is safe. I made coffee with tap water without concern for its purity. I ate breakfast and will also have lunch and dinner later. My husband went off to work and my daughter to school. My son is home sick today and I know I can take him to a doctor if he needs it. My life is blessed and I admit that sometimes I take those blessings for granted.

My life is not very unique in this thriving community; indeed most of my friends and neighbors are similarly blessed. There are people in our community who struggle, but we take pretty good care of each other in Northfield, so there are lots of resources available to help. Compared to third-world nations like Haiti, Northfield is a community of abundance.

It is painful to think about the anguish and devastation that the people of Haiti are experiencing, but we can help to lessen their suffering ... we can give. We can provide financial support to effective relief organizations that are helping in Haiti.

Northfielders are answering the call to action. Here are some ways that you too can get involved and make a difference:

• Chante pou Ayiti (Singing for Haiti) is a fund-raising concert being planned for February 27, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Grand Event Center in Northfield ... family friendly entertainment for a compelling cause. Tickets are $7.50 for students and $15 for others. Proceeds will benefit three relief organizations providing help in Haiti. This project is being organized by Northfield residents and students.
• Have your family, team, club, church or neighborhood host a rummage sale and donate all or a portion of the proceeds to Haitian relief. Participate in the third annual 5th Bridge Goods for Good – The Great Rummage Raid for Charity April 30–May 2. This city wide rummage sale is different as it is intended to encourage philanthropy and make it easier to give. Our focus this year will be Haitian relief. 5th Bridge coordinates and publicizes the event, provides signs and sale site maps, hosts a sponsored celebration lunch and provides donation oversight. Participants agree to donate at least 50% of their sale proceeds to the charity or cause or their own choice. Nonprofit groups hosting a sale can use the funds to the benefit their own organization. This year all sites will be encouraged (but certainly not required) to direct a portion of their proceeds to Haitian relief. Visit www.5thbridge.org for more information and to sign up online.

If you are able, make a financial contribution. Listed below are some tips for maximizing the impact of your gifts:

• Avoid newly formed charities.
• Support organizations with low administrative/fundraising costs. Generally avoid organizations with non-program expences in excess of 25% of revenue. The best organizations keep their non-program expenses to 10% or less.
• Give to established organizations that have experience and/or successful partnerships in Haiti.
• Do not give directly to the Haitian government. It has a history of corruption.
• If you give to an international organization and want your gift directed to Haiti, be sure to designate your gift for Haiti.
• Make an informed decision and do your homework. Charity watchdog websites like www.charitynavigator.org and www.guidestar.org are great resources.
• Do not send supplies (toys, clothes, books, etc.) to Haiti at this time. What the country needs now is money so that food, water, medical supplies, temporary shelter, etc. can be brought in and distributed in an orderly and effective manner.
• Do not mail cash and be sure to keep records of your gifts for tax purposes.
• Keep in mind that disaster relief is a long-term process and that Haiti will need help long after the headlines fade from the news.

The people of Haiti really need our help and we hope you will respond by giving generously. We encourage you to use your gifts and talents to creatively fundraise by making a few personal sacrifices without adversely affecting your usual giving. Keep in mind that one of the reasons we enjoy a good quality of life in Northfield is that we support our local charities, churches and schools with our financial gifts and volunteer service.

In gratitude for all that you do to make a difference,

Candy Taylor and your friends at 5th Bridge