United Way of Greater Knoxville News

United Way of Greater Knoxville equipped to accept donations for Haiti Disaster Relief Fund organized by United Way Worldwide

As international relief efforts begin to arrive in the areas of Haiti devastated by the country’s recent earthquake, United Way of Greater Knoxville encourages a way for Knoxville residents to help locally. 

The Haiti Disaster Relief Fund, administered by the international organization, United Way Worldwide, has been set up to receive monetary donations for the relief efforts in Haiti.  The fund requires no overhead or administrative fees allowing 100% of every dollar raised to reach the victims and recovery efforts on the ground.

“This tragedy has the potential to be the worst natural disaster in the Western Hemisphere in modern history,” said United Way of Greater Knoxville President and CEO, Ben Landers.  “With over 40,000 American citizens currently in Haiti, this tragic event really hits home.”

“United Way wants to give our community a way to respond to the need since many of us are probably feeling a sense of helplessness as we see the videos of the current situation on the news.  Through the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund, Knoxville has a chance to make a difference in the lives of these victims thousands of miles away,” explained Landers.

As United Way Worldwide continues to evaluate the situation, the organization will look for insight on how to most effectively assist in long-term recovery efforts.  United Way Worldwide’s Core Crisis Team has been mobilized and is in contact with the Caribbean Regional Team to gather more information about the needs on the ground.   

Gifts to the fund will support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives and infrastructure devastated by disaster and to address educational, financial and health-related challenges.  For more information, please visit United Way Worldwide’s website at www.liveunited.org.

To donate to the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund, please call United Way of Greater Knoxville at (865) 523-9131 or text UNITED to 40579 for a $5.00 donation that will be added to your current month’s cell phone bill (standard fees and text messaging rates apply).

About United Way of Greater Knoxville:
United Way of Greater Knoxville is a local, independent organization dedicated to building a stronger community by helping people become self-sufficient. In partnership with nonprofit agencies, local business, community leaders and ordinary citizens, United way works to advance the common good by focusing on education, income, health and basic needs. By working together, we provide a network of services addressing Knoxville's most basic needs while working toward lasting change.  For more information, please call (865) 523-9131.