The tragedy that occurred in Haiti on Tuesday really puts into perspective our petty little issues like being frustrated about the traffic driving to work this morning, or cleaning up after your kids, or your computer crashing…

It makes me count my blessings and look at what I have and where I am in life. The people there, they started out with so little and now they basically have nothing.

We’re all feeling a bit horrified and helpless as the extent of the devastation becomes evident, but there are ways in which we can help. Here are but a few:

1. The American Red Cross sees “immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support” in Haiti. The easiest way to donate is by using a phone. People can text “Haiti” to 90999 and $10 will be charged to their phone bill.
2. UNICEF: “Despite heavy damages to its own offices in Port-au-Prince, UNICEF is ready to provide immediate support to the victims of the unfolding humanitarian crisis.” That’s a statement from UNICEF’s Web site. Get details and donate here or call (800) For Kids or (800) 367-5437.
3. Mercy Corps is accepting donations here or by phone at (888) 256-1900.
4. Musician Wyclef Jean, who was born in Haiti, is accepting donations through his Yele Haiti Foundation. He also said people can donate by texting “Yele” to 501501. Doing so will send $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund. (The charge will appear on your cell phone bill.)
5. “Think globally, give locally,” tweets Tom Rowe from Visit Baltimore, who alerted his followers of three Baltimore organizations that are collecting money for earthquake relief — World Relief, Catholic Relief Services and Lutheran World Relief.

And that’s just for starters. CBS News offers a terrific list of charitable organizations that are offering help to the people of Haiti.

If you know of other ways in which readers can help, let us know by leaving a comment below.