2010 Chile Earthquake Response
March 1, 2010

The United Way system in Latin America has mobilized to respond to the catastrophic earthquake that hit Chile on the morning of February 27. United Way's local organization in Chile and other United Way members in the Latin American region have mobilized their staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response, and will work together to determine the most pressing long-term recovery needs.

The Role of United Way Following the Earthquake in Chile

▪United Way's role is to support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives and infrastructure devastated by the disaster in Chile, as we have done and continue to do in Haiti, and to help residents address educational, financial and health-related challenges.

▪United Way's national organization in Chile and other United Way members in the Latin American region have mobilized their staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response, and will work together to determine the most pressing long-term recovery needs.

▪Examples may include access to health care, rebuilding schools and housing, and meeting critical basic needs for shelter, food and clothing.

How People Can Help

▪At this point in time, financial contributions are the best way to help. Contributions to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund will support the recovery and long-term rebuilding needs of devastated Chilean communities. United Way Worldwide is working through Sociedad Activa, the United Way organization in Chile, and its community partners to respond to this disaster.

Financial Donations

▪Checks can be made out to United Way and mailed to Lakes Region United Way, 95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246. The memo line should include "United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund" and, if desired, should indicate Disaster Recovery / Rebuilding, Chile or Haiti.  No fees will be deducted from donations made by check.

▪Financial donations can be made to the Fund using a credit card here.

▪People can make a $10 donation by texting CHILE to 864833 (UNITED). Standard text messaging rates apply.

Administrative Costs

Checks:
▪100% of your contribution goes directly toward long term recovery work

Credit Cards:
▪95% of your contribution goes directly toward long term recovery work.
▪5% covers the credit card transaction costs of the contribution processor.

Volunteering

▪If you have prior disaster relief experience, have fluency of the local language and have expertise in a technical field such as medicine, communications logistics or water/sanitation engineering, we encourage you to register with the Center for International Disaster Information (www.CIDI.org) volunteer database.

Product Donations

▪Unsolicited donations of goods and services from individuals and community groups, while well intentioned, have hidden costs and pose a number of complications for recovery efforts. United Way Worldwide is unable to accept such donations at this time. Organizations accepting product donations include AidMatrix Network, http://www.aidmatrix.org or 1-469-357-3185.

Help Locating Loved Ones

▪Those trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Chile should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-647-5225, or go to their Web site