The Moore County Chapter of the American Red Cross has received numerous inquiries from local residents asking about donating to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

On Tuesday, an earthquake devastated the capital of Haiti and surrounding areas where 2 million people live.

Immediately, the American Red Cross pledged $200,000 in relief services, and increased that amount Wednesday to $1 million to provide food, water and other relief to people impacted by this earthquake, knowing the first 48 hours are absolutely critical to save lives, according to a release from the local chapter.

Local residents can make donations to the International Response Fund to help victims in Haiti. It will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need, the release said.

Red Cross volunteers are in Haiti helping in the search for survivors trapped in their homes. And based on the needs they find, the American Red Cross will provide additional support, including relief supplies from our global warehouses.

Donations of any size will help provide food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support to someone in need.

They can be made online at http://american.redcross.org/haiti.

Residents can call toll-free (800) 733-2767 or (800) 257-7575 (Spanish). Mailed donations can be sent to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington D.C. 20013.

Donations can also be made using mobile texting. Donors may text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts. This is being offered through Mobile Accord and the State Department's third-party fundraiser.

The $10 donation will show up on your next phone bill.

The Moore County chapter is also accepting monetary donations at its office at 115 E. Pennsylvania Ave. in Southern Pines. They will be forwarded to national headquarters for the Haitian disaster relief efforts. It is not accepting donations of clothing, food or other items.