Liberty Forum

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in the past month or so, people and organizations worldwide used their cell phones to send text messages pledging more than $30 million for Haitian relief efforts, according to figures released Thursday by the Mobile Giving Foundation.

A number of relief groups have been added to the list of organizations that can receive text message donations from customers of the four main wireless carriers in the United States: Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile.

Many of the carriers — including the four largest in America — have vowed to expedite donations to the American Red Cross and to other agencies. Normally, it could take 30 to 60 days to transfer the contributions from customers, which will be added to their mobile phone bills.

Verizon Wireless recently revealed in its “second transfer in a week” that it has transmitted $4.84 million to the American Red Cross, “representing additional dollars pledged by texting customers to the Red Cross relief effort for Haiti.” A  transfer of $2.98 million was previously made.

Americans have been donating money via text messages in $5 and $10 amounts to help Haiti relief agencies.

The American Red Cross is the largest benefactor of the effort so far. Other organizations receiving $5 and $10 donations include the Yele Haiti foundation; the International Rescue Committee; the International Medical Corps; and the Clinton Foundation Haiti Relief Fund.

In a matter of days, the mobile giving campaign has become a popular and easy way to donate to relief efforts, with all four major carriers backing the text-messaging donation campaign, saying customers will not be charged for text-messaging mobile donations. Smaller carriers around the world are also involved in the program.

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