by Michelle B. Smith

Created on: January 23, 2010

As the days pass by, Haitians are still in need of supplies and aid from the international community. While financial donations are the best way to help the victims of the earthquake, there are a number of goods that are beneficial as well.

Medical Supplies

While an earthquake in California might not require such a demand; Haiti is an impoverished nation that lacks solid housing structures. This has caused the majority of buildings to crush innocent men, women and children. Those who crawled out of the rubble were left to face crushed limbs, infected wounds and sickness caused from decomposing bodies.

Even though medical aid has arrived, there is much more needed. Doctors have already reported that rubbing alcohol is in short supply. To the medical world, sterilization supplies are like the water of life. Without rubbing alcohol, they cannot perform amputations or help to end infections. Iodine and peroxide are other forms of disinfectant that will aid medical professionals.

Pain medications are another supply seldom seen. For all of the children who have suffered injuries, receiving some sort of pain relief is vital. Still suffering from the loss of parents and siblings, they do not need to add to their pain. Helpful pain medications include children's Motrin, ibuprofen and various Advil and Tylenol products. Even the smallest medical donations are helpful. From band aids to oral numbing creams, everything will help the people of Haiti.

Clothing

Many of the aid organizations providing aid to Haiti cannot afford to bring bundles of clothing. However, money can easily be raised due to all of the people trying to donate clothing. Clothes can be sold in bundles on sites such as Craigslist.com or Ebay. If you are not as tech savvy, you can host a garage sale or sell to consignment shops such as Buffalo Exchange. At these stores, gentle worn clothes can be sold for money or exchanged for other clothing. This is a great way to raise money for relief if you do not have readily available funds. It is also the perfect way to do some early spring cleaning.

To increase clothing sales, make sure your clothes are clean and only gentle worn. Presentation is the key to success. Advertising online and to neighbors about your relief efforts will bring out bigger crowds. You can choose to donate a portion or all of the funds to the relief effort.

The most important good that anyone can give is their long term commitment to the Haitian people. After decades of political turmoil, violence and poverty, they have remained strong. There spirit after the earthquake will be no different. If Haitians can persevere through these tragic events with a resilient spirit, the international community can pledge years more of time, funding and hope.

Learn more about this author, Michelle B. Smith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.