Maria Hodgins
Staff Writer

You’ve seen the headlines and you’ve heard about it on the radio: An earthquake devastates Haiti, killing thousands, destroying buildings, and causing panic. So the question is, what can Westford Academy do to help?

The fastest, most accessible way to help is to donate money through your cell phone. All it takes is a text message.

Two organizations, the mGive Foundation and the Mobile Giving Foundation, are working together to organize donations through text messages. These donations are sent directly to the Red Cross. U.S. citizens have raised more than three million dollars so far.

Verizon Wireless customers have pledged almost one million, and AT&T, Sprint, and TMobile are also participating.

Donations are added to customers’ monthly phone bill, and in most cases, standard text-messaging rates apply. Verizon Wireless is the only company that does not charge for these messages to the Red Cross.

So, WA, if you want to help, get out your cell phone.

Text HAITI to 90999 to donate ten dollars to the Red Cross for earthquake relief in Haiti, and then click YES to confirm the donation.

It may not seem like a lot, but if every Westford Academy student contributed, it would really add up.