It comes as no surprise that we all want to help the people in Haiti following the 7.0 earthquake. But in our rush to ease the suffering, it becomes very important to focus on the delivery of real aide that goes to the core of Haiti's problems. Can we be smarter in our efforts to help Haiti recover?>>

Here are four examples of organizations that work tirelessly to make things better in our community. The people who work in the front lines of these organizations will tell you how important it is to get involved. They can use your support.

1. Veterans Industries
Veterans Industries is a vocational rehabilitation program that continues to serve the community since 1968. They have a great management team and group of capable veterans ready to fulfill your needs. This non-profit, located in the San Fernando Valley (CA) provides a packaging, labeling assembly of materials and other special projects which can save companies time and overhead expenses. Free estimates are available prior to an engagement. To find out more, call (818) 891-7711 Ext. 9941.

2. LA Community Services (LACS) is a non-profit agency founded in 1991. LACS serves as an intermediary for the reallocation of usable surplus resources between the private business/corporate world and the non-profit, neighborhood center, educational and faith-based communities.  LACS solicits donations, picks up and immediately distributes items to the agencies in need while the donors receive tax write offs for their contributions. Volunteers play a valuable role in every phase of this organization. Help people in need.

3. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society>> Fighting Blood Cancers - One person can make a difference! YOU can be that person! Volunteers play a key role in helping to propel the Society in its relentless quest for a cure. LLS values its volunteers and depends on them. Volunteers throughout the United States and Canada are involved in every facet of the organization's operations.

4. World Impact>> World Impact is a Christian missions organization dedicated to ministering God's love in the inner cities of America. There is a need for people to help in every conceivable fashion from doing cross-cultural evangelism to mowing lawns. Please contact the World Impact location nearest to you to inquire about specific volunteer opportunities. (Please also read the Vantage Point article on Bob Engel for additional insight)