CARDS OF CARE FOR HAITI:
Project of love & hope to brighten lives of families during long recovery phase~

The Volunteer USA Foundation announces that the National Disaster Recovery Fund is accepting pictures and cards of love and inspiration to send to children and families affected by the earthquake in Haiti. In addition to the millions of dollars that are pouring into Haiti from US donors, the Cards of Care project aims to share these hopeful messages with families who live in Haiti and their loved ones in the U.S.

"Millions of people in American are praying and sending their well wishes to the people of Haiti," said Bill Simon, CEO of Wal-Mart and National Disaster Fund Chair. "We know children and families here want to do more, and we ask they do so by simply sending us cards, letters, prayers and pictures that will help spread hope among our Haitian neighbors. We know the rebuilding process will take years, and we believe these messages of encouragement will have a long-lasting impact."

In addition, a television public service announcement (PSA) will soon begin airing to promote the Cards of Care project throughout the southern U.S., thanks to a partnership with Comcast. The PSA features Haitian-American family members, whose relatives in Haiti are alive but, like tens-of-thousands of others, are struggling in the disaster's aftermath.

Volunteer USA is also providing a free lesson plan to help teachers use the Haitian earthquake and other real-life disasters as examples of how Americans assist with humanitarian and recovery efforts, as well as provide a platform to discuss the need for all families to develop and practice personal disaster plans. Visit www.volunteerusafoundation.org for access to the educational material. "We know the road to recovery and reclaiming of lives will be long - physically and emotionally exhausting," said Jeb Bush, honorary chair of Volunteer USA. "It is our hope that by sending simple but heartfelt messages to the victims of this overwhelming earthquake, they will draw some comfort and hope in the months and years ahead."

Volunteer USA will work with hospitals, shelters, schools, non-profit and faith-based organizations to deliver the Cards of Care to the people of Haiti in the months ahead.

Please send cards to:
Volunteer USA Foundation - Cards of Care for Haiti
5970 SW 1st Lane, Ocala, FL 34474

Volunteer USA's National Disaster Recovery Fund funds faith and community-based non-profits that have track records of sustainable efforts helping communities rebuild. We use volunteer labor to stretch resources, and use donated funds to purchase materials and, when necessary, pay for travel expenses. Work often includes rebuilding non-profit buildings, such as childcare centers, so employees can get back to work; purchasing items such as roofing materials to repair or rebuild severely damaged homes; or funding nonprofits to rebuild the local economy. For more information about the project and on disaster preparedness tips for families and schools, please visit www.nationaldisasterrecoveryfund.org or www.volunteerusafoundation.org.

Elizabeth E. Hirst
Senior Vice President, Volunteer USA Foundation
www.volunteerusafoundation.org