SkillsUSA is joining the world in seeking to alleviate the suffering from the recent earthquake in Haiti.

President Obama has said, “We need to summon the tremendous generosity and compassion of the American people. I want to thank the many Americans who have already contributed to this effort. I want to encourage all Americans who want to help to go to whitehouse.gov to learn more. And in the days ahead, we will continue to work with those individuals and organizations who want to assist this effort so that you can do so.”

SkillsUSA is deeply concerned about the Haitian disaster and we encourage our chapters to support efforts that bring quick aid and relief to the Haitian people. The need is so immediate that a national effort or fundraising campaign would probably be too late to help those in such desperate need.

Therefore, SkillsUSA’s efforts will be directed to national charities and relief agencies that already have programs in place. We strongly our chapters and members to support the efforts of The American Red Cross.

We also believe the “Text 90999 Project” is an appropriate and powerful way for  an individual to make a personal contribution immediately to disaster relief efforts in Haiti.

Text the word Haiti to 90999 and $10 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects run through the Red Cross.

Of course local chapters will (and should) have student-led efforts to help the victims of this disaster. We are asking for reports from our chapters and state associations on these efforts and will publish these as best practice ideas for other schools to follow.

Send your stories by clicking the “Contact Us” link at the top of this page.

Thank you for your support. I know our members will step up, as always, to provide service and support to those less fortunate.