Helping Haiti

Like so many people around the world, I have looked at pictures, watched videos, and read reports coming out of Haiti over the last couple of days. The feeling of helplessness is unbearable and I have donated what money I can (Here's a reputable list of charities you can donate to- If you know of others, please link to them in the comments.)

But as a crafter, the urge to DO something is so strong. I can't go to Haiti myself, so I've been searching for ways I can do something more concrete than sending off a few dollars. Here are a few things I've found, and I thought I'd share them in case you'd like to do something too. Granted, most of the funds raised through these efforts will be going to the same places as your $5 or $10 dollar text message donations, but these support the crafting community at the same time. I will add more options as I find them.

Donate something hand made to the Craft Hope Etsy shop. "The Craft Hope Etsy shop will allow crafters to donate products and allow folks to purchase them. With 100% of the proceeds going to charity." Not a crafter yourself? Check out the shop and buy something.

Shop at Indie Fixx's Haiti Relief Fundraiser Auction.

If you happen to be in the NYC area and can be in Brooklyn on Monday, here's an event you could help out with. "Volunteers will learn to sew to create wrap skirts for women and children who have been devastated by the earthquake... Volunteers who can sew, cut, fold fabric, pack boxes and enjoy working together should come to our studio!"

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert - A Spanish rescuer carries two-year-old Redjeson Hausteen after he was rescued from a home that collapsed during Tuesday's earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010. © All rights reserved.

As I've mentioned before, I loved babywearing my girls. I'm a huge advocate of the benefits of babywearing, and I love to support the babywearing community. Many vendors have put together raffles to raise funds for Haiti. If you win and don't have a child to wear, you could donate the sling to a local babywearing or breastfeeding advocacy group, or to a women's shelter, thus doubling your giving!

Sleeping Baby Productions is raffling off three ring slings. All proceeds will go to the International Red Cross.

Piece of Cloth has three wraps and one custom dye job up for their raffle.

Sweet Pickles is donating 5% of profits from all January sales. They are also researching ways to get babywearing and breastfeeding information into Haiti.

McKinley Kidz is raffling off a $100 gift card. Proceeds will be split between UNICEF and Partners in Health.

QuirkyBaby is raffling off a $100 gift card with proceeds going to Doctors Without Borders.

I will add to this list as I find more options, please share any reputable charitable opportunities you know of in the comments.

ADDED 1/15
Here are some adorable tie dyed onesies by Frugal Adeline- Kindred Crafters is paying the shipping, so 100% of the proceeds will go to Haiti.

Zerberts is currently donating 10% of their profits to disaster relief.

Hotslings will be donating 50% of all online retail sales MONDAY January 18 to The Red Cross for Haiti.

Mama by Design: For every Calyx baby carrier ordered between Monday Jan.11 through Monday, Jan. 18, $5 will go to Mercy Corps for their Haiti relief effort.