Text 2HELP™

Wireless Subscribers Can Help Disaster Victims
The national Text 2HELP™ initiative is a partnership between The Wireless Foundation and the American Red Cross that enables customers of participating wireless carriers to send a text message donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to assist relief efforts during a major disaster. The donation will help provide food, shelter, counseling, and other assistance to the victims of the disaster.

The Text 2HELP™ initiative combines advanced wireless technology with the nation's premier relief organization, to give millions of wireless customers a simple and immediate way of helping others when they need it most. Participating wireless carriers include: Alltel, AT&T Mobility, Boost Mobile, Dobson Communications Corporation, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. VeriSign is powering the intelligent messaging infrastructure to enable the short message service.

How it Works
In the event of a major disaster, such as Hurricane Katrina, the American Red Cross will collaborate with The Wireless Foundation to activate the Text 2HELP™ initiative. At that time, subscribers of participating wireless carriers can text message the keyword “GIVE” to "2HELP" (24357). A $5 tax-deductible donation will be made to the American Red Cross for disaster relief efforts.

Wireless providers taking part in the initiative will send 100 percent of the pre-determined donation of $5 to the American Red Cross. Donations will appear on customers' monthly bills or be debited from a prepaid account balance. Normal text messaging rates apply.

For additional information on Text 2HELP™, please visit the Wireless Foundation's site.