SALT LAKE CITY -- A group of Utahns is stepping up, encouraging everyone who can to donate money to help the nation of Haiti as it struggles to survive after last week's quake.

The group Utahns United for Haitian Earthquake Relief held a kick-off event Tuesday morning after forming just in the last few days. The group is inspired by the massive need for help seen in Haiti and by the huge global outpouring in support of the Haitian people in the wake of the 7.0 earthquake.

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The two founders of the group have experience working internationally in developing countries and have seen up close the troubling challenges posed by poverty, corruption and faltering government infrastructure.

Group co-founder Leah Moses-Gandhi said, "I think what we need to do is send a message together, either through our donations if we can, I think we, almost all of us can, or even through discussion, whether it's online discussion or in person. Let's talk about how we can help. Let's talk about, you know, our solidarity and compassion."

Utahns United for Haitian Earthquake Relief is encouraging people to forgo one item a day for the next week -- whether a late, a smoothie or a new pair of shoes -- and donate the money instead to a nonprofit group whose work in Haiti has been proven effective.

"What we realize is pretty much everyone here in Utah is privileged when you compare us to Haitians, and we all can sacrifice something -- whether it's our $5 jamba juice or our latte -- and donate that money instead to relieve efforts," co-founder Cherise Udell said.

"It's extremely helpful, because the need is going to go on for months and months and years in the country," said board member Lisa Bagley. "I'm hoping people don't forget as the press stops their coverage."

Here is a list of several agencies accepting donations to help the people of Haiti:

• Healing Hands for Haiti
• American Red Cross
• LDS Church relief efforts
• Salvation Army
• UNICEF
• The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
• Catholic Relief Services
• Islamic Relief USA
• United Methodist Committee on Relief
• Centro Civico Mexicano

E-mail: jdaley@ksl.com

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