Since the earthquake in Haiti, an increasing number of non-profit organizations are continuing to raise funds. Among the most popular are The American Red Cross, UNICEF, Operation USA and Mercy Corps.  Other smaller, and in some cases relatively new organizations, include National Nurses United, Artists for Peace and Justice, K.I.D.S, Healing the Children, and UNFPA. Penelope Cruz, Gerard Butler and Sean Penn are among the large donors for Artists for Peace & Justice, a new organization originally founded to build schools in impoverished regions of Haiti.

The American Red Cross expects to supply more food, water, temporary shelter and medical services as quickly as possible. UNICEF is sponsoring a specific Haiti Earthquake Fund to continue to provide for the children in the aftermath of the disaster. Operations USA is also seeking to provide food as well as health care materials and water purification supplies. Mercy Corps, an organization that has a history of providing for earthquake survivors, is sending a team of emergency personnel to fulfill the immediate concerns of the victims. National Nurses United have already sent 10,000 nurses and is currently seeking donations to send even more.

While many have already donated, some of the public’s concern with donating seems to be fear of illegitimate organizations or the improper allocations of funds.  Wyclef Jean, considered to be a major contributor, was just recently under scrutiny for questionable appropriation of donations. Experts have warned to steer clear of organizations that claim to donate 100 percent of funds since charities are required to pay overhead fees. They also suggest donating to mainly well-known organizations, like the aforementioned UNICEF and American Red Cross.

Americans have donated more than 21 million dollars to the American Red Cross alone, and donations continue to be made.  Far more organizations are donating than those already named; a sign that Americans truly unite in times of disaster.