Make a Difference

Although American media has not done a great job bringing attention to it, chances are you probably know about or have at least heard of the famine currently devastating the Horn of Africa. I know this is not a typical topic here, but a friend said, "I wish there was something we could do," and I thought there might be more thinking that. I've been researching the problem the past few weeks including which organizations are on the ground and having the greatest impact (I work part-time as a foundation consultant) so I thought I'd share some easy ways you can make a difference:

1. Text the world AID to 27722 to donate $10

2. The International Rescue Committee is delivering food, trucking in water and installing/expanding water supply systems, giving new arrivals to refugee camps medical assistance and many other activities - donate here 

3. American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa is distributing food baskets in Somalia - $100 provides a family of 6 enough food for a month. Donate here under the "Food Distribution" tab

4. WorldVision, IRC and other non-profits are distributing Plumpy'Nut, a vitamin and nutrient rich peanut based paste that is said to treat malnutrition and cure in as little as 3 weeks. Edesia, one of the makers, has made it easy to donate Plumpy'Nut directly to those who need it

5. Donate $1 - yes just $1! - to the World Food Program and you'll fill 4 cups.

6. Talk about it - on Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, over the phone, in person - create awareness! Wealthy nations have not stepped up in the same way they did for Haiti and Japan. There is an even bigger and longer term crisis going on here and millions of innocent people - mostly children - need our help. 

 

When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed.

~Mother Teresa

For more photos visit the Washington Post