Text 2HELP FAQs

  • What is the Text 2HELP Initiative?
    The national Text 2Help Initiative is a voluntary, cooperative partnership between The Wireless Foundation and the American Red Cross that allows customers of participating wireless carriers to send a text message to the American Red Cross and make a donation for relief efforts during a major natural disaster.  The donation will help provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the victims of the disaster.


  • How does Text 2HELP work?
    The American Red Cross determines a disaster needs national support and alerts the Wireless Foundation to activate the Text 2HELP fundraising efforts.
    • Customers of participating wireless carriers (listed below) may then text 
      message “2HELP” (24357) containing the message “GIVE” and the donation will be made available directly to the American Red Cross for disaster relief efforts. Normal text messaging rates apply.
    • Wireless providers taking part in the initiative will send 100 percent of the pre-determined donation of $5.00 to the American Red Cross.
    • Donations will appear on customers’ monthly bills or be debited from prepaid account balance

  • How can wireless customers participate?
    More than 80% of wireless customers are served by participating wireless service providers, so it’s highly likely that you can use the Text 2HELP program to donate to the American Red Cross.  Alltel, AT&T Mobility, Boost Mobile, Dobson Communications, Sprint and Verizon Wireless are among the wireless carriers supporting the Text 2HELP campaign.

    Once the Red Cross has determined a major national disaster, customers with a wireless device capable of sending text messages may send one to “2HELP” (24357) containing the message “GIVE,” and their $5.00 donation will be directed to disaster relief efforts.

    Text 2HELP is a convenient way for subscribers to contribute by directly     including the donation on customers’ monthly wireless bills, or by debiting the amount from prepaid account balances.
  • Why was the Text 2HELP initiative created?
    Hurricane Katrina proved that a major disaster affects the entire nation, not just a state or region. Quickly providing necessary resources to assist with relief efforts is vital. Understanding that Americans are eager to do their part to help, The Wireless Foundation, participating wireless service providers, and the American Red Cross have created an easy and efficient way for their subscribers to lend their support.

    Through the combination of wireless technology and the effectiveness of the American Red Cross, consumers have the opportunity to help victims and their families when they need it most.
  • What is the history of the Text 2HELP program?
    In response to the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina, the Wireless Foundation and participating wireless carriers partnered with the American Red Cross to create a text messaging service that allowed citizens to financially contribute to the relief efforts by simply text messaging a donation. The initial program lasted approximately two months, from early September 2005-October 2005. Realizing this arrangement could help victims of future natural disasters, CTIA and the American Red Cross established a permanent text messaging response system, entitled “Text 2HELP.”

    Led by volunteers, the American Red Cross has been serving the American people for 125 years. The humanitarian organization supplies quick relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergency situations. Individual financial donations help the American Red Cross carry out its mission.

    As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of more than 180 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people.
  • Is the initiative available in all 50 states?
    Yes.
  • How will Text 2HELP affect my wireless bill?
    Once a wireless subscriber text messages the word “GIVE” to “2HELP” (24357), the wireless carrier will be notified. A pre-determined donation amount of $5.00 will be added to the customer’s wireless bill, or debited from prepaid account balances. Standard text messaging rates apply.
  • Can I send more than one text message donation?
    Yes. When a major national disaster is declared, wireless customers can send up to four $5 text message donations to the American Red Cross’s relief efforts.  Each donation will appear as a line item on their wireless bills.
  • How do I know if my carrier offers Text 2HELP services?
    Since more than 80% of all wireless customers are able to donate using the Text 2HELP program, the easiest thing to do is to text GIVE to 2HELP (23457). If your current service provider does not offer the Text 2HELP program, you will receive an error message on your wireless device. 

    You can find the list of participating wireless carriers at the Wireless Foundation’s website or, you can check your wireless carrier’s website to determine if your carrier is participating.
  • Am I required to participate in the initiative?
    No. The Text 2HELP initiative is absolutely optional. The initiative is only active when the American Red Cross has determined a disaster needs national attention. At that time, wireless subscribers of participating service providers carriers can choose to donate by text messaging the appropriate message, but it’s entirely voluntary.
  • Will my carrier charge me for participating in the Text 2HELP program?
    Yes and No. Yes, your carrier will charge you its normal text messaging rate for each “2HELP” message sent. No, the wireless carrier does not charge an administrative fee for collecting your donation and transferring it to the American Red Cross. One hundred percent of your donation will go to relief efforts.
  • Do you share information such as mobile number with any other organizations?
    No. The Wireless Foundation will not share your information with any other organization except as required to deliver the Text 2HELP services, and we will not provide your information to any third-party marketing organizations. To review the Text 2HELP privacy policy click here.
  • Will I get unrelated, unwanted text messages as a result of making a donation through Text 2HELP?
    No. The only text messages you will ever receive from the Text 2HELP Initiative are as follows: 
    • You will receive a message asking you to confirm that you approve the $5.00  donation.
    • You will receive a second message confirming that the donation has been made.
  • How do I use the Text Message feature on my cell phone to make a Text 2HELP donation?
    All phones are different, but these general instructions should help.
    • Select Menu.
    • Select Messages.
    • Select New Text Message.
    • Select Address and enter code 24357 (2HELP), press OK/ENTER.
    • Select Message and enter code word GIVE using your keypad, press OK/ENTER.
    • When finished select OK or SEND to send message.
    • Within a few minutes, a reply message will come back to your phone asking you to confirm the transaction.
    • Enter "Y" or "YES" to confirm the transaction or "N' or "NO" to cancel the transaction, press OK/ENTER.
  • What else can I do to help?
    There are a wide variety of opportunities to support  the American Red Cross  People who wish to volunteer should contact their local American Red Cross chapter because the vast majority of volunteer opportunities are typically found within an individual's local community.