The Chisholm Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross held a press conference Monday to remind North Texans that they can do something to help the people in devastated Haiti.

“The need is great for Haiti,” said Patricia Thomson, American Red Cross CEO, “We encourage all to continue to support any way you can.”

The conference was held at 2 p.m. at the Red Cross Chisholm Trail Chapter headquarters in Fort Worth and featured several prominent political and social figures, who spoke about the need for money to aid the relief efforts in Haiti.

Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley, who was among the speakers, said the American Red Cross was the best charity to contribute to.

“There are a lot of different charities. There are a lot of different folks out there who are going to be asking for your funds,” he said. “The American Red Cross are the folks who are the first there, the last to leave.”

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, said the federal government has been heavily involved in Haiti since the quake, but contributions from the civilians were equally important.

“There is a lot we can do as just regular citizens as well, and that is so important at the same time,” he said.

Thomson said that though the disaster may have happened across the ocean, the impacts are felt even here.

She directed audience members to the International Red Cross Web site, Family Links.

This provides a way for people to re-establish contact with family members in Haiti.

“There are families in North Texas right now that are agonizing about the safety of their loved ones,” she said.

Of the 22,000 people registered on the Web site, 1,500 had been received news of their family members.

Though technology helps considerably to raise money during these kinds of crises, the old-fashioned way is just as good, Burgess said.

“If you’re not technologically savvy with the new media, you can do it the way my generation does: get out your check book, write a check, mail it to the Red Cross. It’s really just a simple as that,” he said as he handed a check to Thomson.

President of the Fort Worth chapter of The Links Inc., Mattie Peterson Compton, followed suit and presented the Red Cross with a check for $2,000.

Brooks wrapped up his speech reminding the audience that natural disasters present an unusual opportunity.

“When a disaster of this magnitude hits, it reminds us all of our humanity and the need to step up and wrap our arms around those who are suffering,” he said.


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