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Help For Haiti

January 31, 2010


The Daily Mountain Eagle
Alabamians are stepping up for Haiti in its time of need

By Rep Robert Aderholt (AL-04)
Sunday, January 31, 2010


Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti during this unfortunate tragedy. I have been deeply saddened by the tremendous loss of life that has occurred in Haiti, and my prayers continue to go out to the families of the victims, particularly those who have lost children.

In the midst of the despair, it is exciting to see that Alabamians, and all Americans, are coming together to help those who have been affected by this disaster. It’s in times like these that we are united by the common human spirit of service, no matter what your political affiliation is.

Both Republicans and Democrats appreciate President Obama’s immediate response to this catastrophic tragedy, and we stand ready to assist in any way.

Even though the United States has flooded the nation of Haiti with aid and help, it is important to know that this aid must not stop. The nation of Haiti is going to need a lot of help for quite some time as it gets on the road to recovery. There must also be appropriate oversight, to ensure that donations reach those who need the help.

Haiti was a nation which suffered from a weak government before this tragedy. This natural disaster has absolutely devastated the infrastructure that already was unstable.

On January 21st, Congress made it a little easier for Americans to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake by passing a Charitable Donation Bill (HR 4462). With that legislation, Taxpayers who make donations for Haitian earthquake victims would be able to write off this charitable deduction when they file their 2009 taxes this spring.

Under normal law, donors would have to wait until they file their 2010 returns next year to take the deductions. But the newly advanced bill would allow donations made by the end of February to be deducted from 2009 returns.

A similar law was enacted in 2005 for donations to victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred in December 2004.

We have seen great faith-based ministries and charities all across Alabama and our entire nation organize aid missions and packages for those who suffer in Haiti. Many of these faith-based organizations are really making a difference. Sure, direct federal government aid is significantly helping, however, the compassion and the love demonstrated by the faith-based organizations have made a tremendous impact.

I have found organizations like “Samaritan’s Purse” out of North Carolina do a wonderful job. Their website is www.samaritanspurse.org if you would like to learn more about them.

Also, right here in the 4th Congressional District, I have been in touch with a great organization in Jasper called “Missions Unlimited.”

Medical care, food, and water are top priorities when it comes to rescue, recovery, and relief efforts for Haiti. But, hygiene is also important and “Missions Unlimited” is helping to provide those necessities by make crisis kits.

Several weeks ago, “Missions Unlimited” sent 600 pounds of shampoo, toothpaste and band-aids, as well as sleeping bags, tents and antibiotics to Haiti. To learn more about this charity, visit www.personaltransportation.org .

House Republican Whip Eric Cantor said it best when he said, "When crisis calls, American citizens are at their finest. The people of the U.S. have always been and continue to be a generous and giving people."

So, as you see the stories on the news about Haiti, just remember that this nation is going to need a lot of help for quite some time as it gets on the road to recovery. Let’s continue to prayer and help the nation of Haiti during their time of need, even after the TV cameras are gone.

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Congressman Robert Aderholt is serving his seventh term as the U.S. Representative of the Fourth Congressional District of Alabama. Rep. Aderholt serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, and a member of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee. Rep. Aderholt also serves on the House Budget Committee.