Note I received from White House regarding Haiti

Following is a response to one of the notes I sent (this one to the White House), volunteering to help in any way with the humanitarian relief of Haiti. Anyone who knows me, understands I can be a bit critical of the administration, but I have always believed that when disaster strikes, you respond and do the right thing - regardless of politics. Politicians will not save people in Haiti - only good people will do that. I have offered and will continue to offer to help whenever such need arises. As I said in my last post ... "what will you do?"

Dear Friend:

Thank you for writing. The reports and images from Haiti of collapsed hospitals, crumbled homes, and men and women carrying their injured neighbors through the streets are truly heart-wrenching. As we learn more about the extent of the devastation, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and Haitian Americans who do not yet know the fate of their families and loved ones.

I have directed my Administration to respond with a swift, coordinated, and aggressive effort to save lives. The people of Haiti will have the full support of the United States Government in the urgent effort to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble and to deliver the humanitarian relief--the food, water, and medicine--that Haitians will need in the coming days.

This is also a time when we are reminded of the common humanity we all share, and Americans have always responded to these situations with generosity of spirit. If you would like to support the urgent humanitarian effort in Haiti, I encourage you to visit our website where you can learn more about how to contribute:

http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake

Americans trying to locate family members in Haiti are encouraged to contact the State Department at (888) 407-4747.

We will continue to stand with the people of Haiti and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama