How was your weekend? Just like many other people around the world, you probably enjoyed your break from your work week; but I am sure that you also heard about what happened in Chile. They got hit by an 8.8 earthquake – more than a degree stronger than the quake that shattered the country of Haiti.

It hasn’t been more than a day or so since this happened, and the damages are only now being seen in Chile. The death toll has reached hundreds, and the numbers are expected to rise. Tsunamis have been triggered by the quake, with the waves reaching as far as Japan and Russia. Fortunately for those countries, they didn’t really get affected.

It’s another story in Chile, though. The people of this country need our help now. In the United States, you can help through SMS:

• SMS text “CHILE” to 25383 to donate $10 to Habitat for Humanity
• SMS text “CHILE” to 20222 to donate $10 to World Vision
• SMS text “REBUILD” to 50555 to donate $10 to Operation USA
• SMS text “YOUTH” to 20222 to donate $10 to UNICEF

You can also donate through Google Checkout here. They are receiving donations for UNICEF and Direct Relief International.

There are also numerous other ways by which you can donate – those are perhaps the most convenient. However, I challenge you to step out of your comfort zones and find more ways to help. Mashable has an extensive list here. Visit your local Red Cross and other organizations that may be holding their own operations. This is not the time to sit back and relax. You never know, next time, it might be you needing this kind of help.

Originally posted on February 28, 2010 @ 11:10 pm