The Bermuda Red Cross has received $700,000 in donations for Haiti, and the Salvation Army, already well established in the country, is continuing it's efforts on the ground while local schools and others keep the donations pouring in.

Ann Spencer-Arscott, Director of the Bermuda Red Cross said: "The donations just keep coming in and it will probably be going on for another couple of months. And the schools are putting in so much effort through book sales, bake sales – you name it. It is phenomenal to see that all these kids realise the importance of giving to the people who need it."

And Major Doug Lewis, Regional Commander for the Salvation Army in Bermuda said that the organisation's counterpart in Port Au Prince had been designated by the United Nations as the "lead agency" responsible for the care of 20,000 people displaced by the earthquake.

"As the lead agency, The Salvation Army assumes the responsibility of housing people in family units that meet UN approved standards," said Major Lewis.

He added: "The Army will also provide clean water, medical supplies, basic health supplies, safe hygiene and sanitation. The Army, in cooperation with the United Nations World Food Program will also handle the safe distribution of food to those within its care."

Major Lewis said that, to date, nearly half a million meals have been served, 20,000 gallons of water have been distributed and thousands of people have received medical supplies with the help of the Salvation Army.

"In addition, a 10,000 gallon water purification system is operational, more than 1,200 people have received medical aid at one of it's make shift hospitals and The Salvation Army has reopened a school for children aged three to six in a temporary site," he said.

With most of Bermuda's high schools and middle schools holding grub days and finding other creative ways to raise funds, at least one nursery school has been inspired to join the relief effort. The children, parents and staff of First Steps Nursery and Preschool managed to raise $750 for Haiti last week.

On January 27 the children at the nursery school participated in a "caring day" for Haiti. Staff donated fruit and pizzas for lunch and an afternoon snack while the children each brought ten dollars to be donated to the Red Cross.

"The school's curriculum, promotes that Teachers provide perspectives and information of children's immediate world," said Danielle Tannock, a teacher at First Steps.

"Additionally, Teachers are also meant to include international perspectives for students so that the students develop an understanding of the larger world they live in.

"With such perspectives, it is hoped that students are provoked to make a difference and take action where and when there is a need. To that end, the children approached the fund-raiser day with a caring attitude and better understanding of the world beyond Bermuda."

Financial contributions to the Salvation Army can be made at the Bank of Bermuda, account number 010-202539-001 or by mail at P.O. Box HM 2259, Hamilton HM JX.