BY ETHAN WILENSKY-LANFORD
Staff Writer
Gov. John Baldacci joined the American Red Cross in asking Mainers to donate money to support relief efforts in Haiti and channel any desire to volunteer into local action, rather than a trip to the impoverished Caribbean nation.
Since the Tuesday’s 7.0-magnitude earthquake that may have killed tens of thousands of people, hundreds here have called the Red Cross asking how to help. About a quarter have offered to travel to the country.
Here’s a link to the rest of How to help Haiti.
My name is Keith Michaud and this is “Letters From Away,” a blog written by a Mainer living outside the comfortable and sane confines of New England. The blog is intended for Mainers, whether they live in the Pine Tree State or beyond, and for anyone who has loved ’em, been baffled by ’em or both. Ayuh, I am “from away.” Worse still, I live on the Left Coast – in California. Enjoy! Or not. Your choice.
Letters From Away 
Here’s a link to the Better Business Bureau’s landing page on giving to charities. They have suggestions and recommendations to avoid being scammed. Follow the link to a button specifically to giving in wake of the earthquake in Haiti.
http://www.bbb.org/us/charity/