It is only the international relief effort that will give these people hope.

As citizens of this planet and children of God we all have a responsibility to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

Therefore for the next 3 months for every window we sell we will donate $10 directly to the relief effort. We will make this donation to the International Red Cross and World Vision and designate it for the relief. Both organizations have had relief efforts on the streets in Haiti within hours of the quake.

• DONORS BEWARE

Be careful. Send your donations only to charities with an established track record of helping people in this region. World Vision and the Red Cross both have staff in Haiti. But don’t be sucked in by fly-by-night “charities” ready to advantage of your generosity. They’re out there.

Do not respond to high pressure or emotional appeals. Don’t let yourself be pressured into contributing over the phone. If you are not familiar with a charity, get detailed information in writing. And remember, you have a right to say no. No legitimate organization will pressure you to give immediately.

Also beware of e-mails from people claiming to be victims. Unless you know the sender personally, it is better to give to charities.

• SEND A CHECK, NOT MERCHANDISE OR GOODS

The best way you can help is by sending a check. Cash donations allow charities to buy the most needed type of food, medicine, clothing, shelter materials and other supplies. Typically, buying relief products locally or regionally means less shipping costs and quicker assistance. Charities are best suited to make the product purchases.

If you do decide to send goods, please run it by your chosen charity first. For example, after the tsunami, boxes of donated winter coats, scarves and fuzzy hats, completely useless items in tsunami stricken nations with tropical climates, were sent to these nations. Let’s make sure we get the right supplies to the citizens of this devastated area.