By now I am sure you have heard the horrific news of the earthquake in Haiti. The images, sounds, and video coming from this disaster have caused me to gather my precious children onto my lap and give extra hugs and kisses all around. I cannot even begin to wonder at the emotions and intense heartache caused by something like this.

I pray I never have to know.

Overwhelmingly, donations are pouring in to help those who have experienced this event. Many are reaching out with their pocketbooks because that is all they can do. While this is very good and I commend you if you have donated in any way I do want to remind you to be careful of where your donation money goes.

• Charity Navigator is the “nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities.” It is a helpful site to ensure that the person who is asking for your donation is really doing what they say they will do. You will see on the right hand side of the page you click to a list of charities providing relief for Haiti as well as their respective ratings. Also invaluable are the tips that will help keep you away from those who might want to dupe you!
• If you scroll down this CNN page you will find another list of organizations providing aid and in what areas they are assisting.
• Also, Compassion International is giving relief in the form of aid to Compassion families in Haiti. Compassion is a reputable charity that seeks to “meet the physical and spiritual needs of children in Jesus’ name.” You can read updates and donate as you feel led.