By now we all know that a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on Monday. It devestated an already suffering nation and initial numbers count the deaths at nearly 100,000. Surely, more deaths will come as the people die from lack of clean water, disease, and improper medical care for injuries.

It is times like these that we must realize that the superficial boundaries that we place around ourselves mean nothing in the face of our fellow man’s suffering. People speak of the poverty of the Haitians, but would it be less tragic of such devastation took place in a wealthy nation? The news speaks often of the race of the Haitians, but is tragedy not the same in all the races? All that matters now is Haiti is suffering and we must do our part to help.

And I don’t want to hear that we cannot afford to send help (as some have actually suggested!). Let me assure you, “no money” in America is vastly different than “no money” in Haiti. “Broke” in America means you probably still have cable, or internet, or a home. “Broke” in Haiti means you are living on the streets in rags with open wounds and no food or water for days. This is, of course, all while your government lives in palaces (which, by the way, collapsed). In America, if this happened, we would merely pay to fix it. We would come together, raise taxes if we must, and fix the devastation. In Haiti, there is no income to raise taxes on. They have nothing and now they have even less.

It is our obligation as a wealthier nation, as a blessed people, and as basic human beings to help those that need our assistance. And right now, Haiti needs our assistance. Donate whatever you can, be it $5 or a pack of bandages. They need medical supplies, clean drinking water, doctors, clothing, and toys. Eventually they will need help rebuilding in Haiti. No donation is too small.