TXT Haiti to 90999

There is a new way of contributing to the reconstruction of areas hit by natural disasters. With the recent earthquake that devastated Haiti not long ago, the Red Cross has implemented a program in which people can quickly and easily provide help from anywhere at anytime. It is within human nature to help others when they need, if it is within capabilities and limits. The problem for Americans is that the event happened in Haiti, which is anywhere from 600 miles to 3500 miles from the continental United States. This makes for a difficult time commitment- making volunteer work almost impossible for the average American resident. The most connected we can feel is to try to promote awareness and give means that can be used to reconstruct the nation. Within the past years, the popularity of text messaging has skyrocketed. the American Red Cross is raking in the benefits of this with their program. With a simple text to 90999 with the word "Haiti", the individual contributes ten dollars to the relief fund for the disaster victims and contributes to all things needing financial support in Haiti. Americans have been generously donating money, sometimes hitting nearly $100,000 an hour, through these text messages. There is another number you can text to donate five dollars instead of ten. I think this is a great use of technology for Americans. There is no need to get up, no need to reschedule events, no need to document your spending, it simply shows up on your next phone bill. I find this as an intelligent way of incorporating ways that Americans communicate and fund raising in a simple and fun way.