Press Releases
Haiti Relief (updated 1/20/2010)
City of Olean officials have identified several funders in this region who can accept donations for Haiti relief efforts. They also urge caution in responding to solicitations from unknown groups or individuals.
Mayor Linda Witte said the city has not launched any official fundraising activities and asked residents to take the initiative in donating to a charity of their choice.
“Donate to reputable organizations and check before you donate,” said Olean Police Chief Terry Schnell.
He added that it is safer to reach out to the proven fundraising group or individual of choice than to respond to phone or email solicitations. Officials say door-to-door solicitations for Haiti are not authorized and should be reported to the Police Department Dispatch Center at 376-5677.
The City of Olean does not endorse specific organizations but has verified at least three relief efforts with a high-profile visibility in the area. As the city works to verify others in the coming days residents are urged to verify that their preferred charities are dedicating donations to the Haiti relief efforts.
Mayor Witte also asked residents to check whether “transfer fees” may be added to donations made by credit card.
The American Red Cross, Catholic Charities and The Salvation Army are three organizations with offices in the city and which have opened local fundraising channels to benefit Haiti victims.
To donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund or the International Response Fund, checks should be made payable to “American Red Cross”. They can be sent to The American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C., 20013.
Also, Red Cross donors can make a note in the check memo line to designate the money to be sent to “International Relief Fund/Haiti.” To pay by credit card, call the local office at 372-5800. Donors may also visit www.redcross.org for more information or call 1-800-435-7669.
Catholic Charities in Olean, located at 520 W. State Street in Olean, refers fundraising inquiries to the Diocese of Buffalo. Donors should make checks payable to the Diocese of Buffalo – Haiti Emergency Fund, and mail them to Diocese of Buffalo, Lockbox Dept. 294, P. O. Box 8000, Buffalo, NY 14267.
To obtain more information about Catholic Charities visit www.crf.org
Earthquake Relief efforts have also been launched by The Salvation Army, with its World Services Organization (SAWSO) directing a team on the ground in Port-au-Prince. That team is assessing damage and providing support for the injured and missing and supporters may call Major William Lynch or Major Cecelia Lynch in Olean at 372-6740 for more information.
To donate a check to the local Salvation Army chapter, send it to The Salvation Army, P. O. Box 28, Olean, NY, 14760. Donations can also be sent to The Salvation Army World Service Office: International Disaster Relief Fund, P. O. Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728. In the Memo line please designate checks and money orders to “Haiti Earthquake.”
Donations can be made by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769), and the organization also provides online and texting options. To give online, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org. Text donations can be made by texting the word “HAITI” to 52000 to automatically give $10 to The Salvation Army’s relief efforts.