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In response to the recent 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti, the United States has reacted quickly to raise funds and send assistance. There are organizations across the country providing assistance and Sacramentans are also responding quickly to the devastated country's call for help.

On Friday, Jan. 15 Sutter Health Systems announced that it will be donating $1.25 million to Haiti relief. The majority ($1 million) of the donation will go towards Doctors Without Borders and the rest will be used to fund medical supplies and fill cargo boxes with supplies.

Another large company, has made it easy for customers to donate by setting up collection boxes at check stands throughout the company's 134 stores in the region. Shoppers can donate directly to the American Red Cross at any Raley's, Bel Air, Nob Hill or Food Source location until Feb. 13.

Since Jan. 14, the Kings have been doing their part to spread the word during games by airing two Public Service Announcements encouraging the audience to visit UNICEF's website.

One features the voice of Spencer Hawes and the other, from the NBA, features the voice of Haiti native Samuel Dalembert of the Philadelphia 76ers. They've also used their website, Twitter, and Facebook to encourage followers and friends to visit the site and learn how to help. The Sacramento Sierra American Red Cross Chapter has plans to set up donation stations at upcoming home games, with dates still being finalized.

Yesterday, KCRA's "Call 3" team and the Sacramento Sierra American Red Cross Chapter joined forces and raised $150,000 in donations with a telethon. Beginning at 4:30 a.m. volunteers gathered to take donations by phone throughout the day. One of the major donors was Jackson Rancheria Casino, who pledged $10,000 during the event.

"Devastation swept an entire country..." said Dawn Lindblom, CEO of the Sierra Sacramento Chapter. "When we see scenes like this, it's easy to be overwhelmed."

Bayside Church has partnered with two major organizations to donate both money and shoes (a necessity many Haitians are in need of right now),. The church has agreed to donate 20 percent of funds raised through their current "Radical Generosity" program to World Vision, which can be done in envelopes or cards during services.

The church held a successful shoe drive in partnership with Roseville's Sports Chalet over the weekend that brought in 2,034 pairs of donated shoes. To donate or learn more visit Bayside's website. Additional shoe donations can be brought to these locations:

-Bayside Church weekend services at the Fill the Trucks drop-off Saturdays 3:30 until 7:30 pm and Sundays 7:30 am until 1:30 pm Sundays from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm at 8211 Sierra College Boulevard Roseville, CA 95661
-Sports Chalet 10349 Fairway Drive Roseville, CA 95678

Inspired by a national effort to raise money through vegan bake sales, local vegan cooks Toni Okamoto and Amy Galvan organized their own bake sale, held at R5 Records on Saturday. They raised $686 in sales and received an additional pledge for $500, which will all be donated to the American Red Cross. The women will be selling their vegan goods again later this month (see event list below).

"I think bake sales are a great way to raise money. Many of our friends are on a tight budgets for whatever reason. We might spend three dollars to make a plate of cookies and end up selling them for $30," said Galvan, "[One woman who donated muffins] couldn't afford to buy anything or donate money directly, but she did have the ingredients in her pantry to bake for the bake sale."

Also standing by to help is the region's Urban Search and Rescue Team, California Task Force 7. The 72-person rescue team, made up of Firefighters from Sacramento's Fire Agencies and civilians, received orders to deploy on the evening of Jan. 13 from the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. After waiting for a flight to Haiti from Travis Air Force Base, the team returned home Monday morning after being delayed for several days due to damage to both Haiti's air and sea ports. They will remain on standby to relieve any USAR team currently in Haiti if needed.  See original posting by Sacramento Fire Department's Jim Doucette here.

The magnitude of the damage in Haiti is still unknown but the need for assistance is dire and it is just the beginning of the recovery from the damage done. Below is a list of upcoming events that will raise funds for the major organizations providing relief:

Bypassing Oblivion: On Friday, Jan. 22 a five-band benefit show, hosted by Bypassing Oblivion, will be held at Vega's in Old Sacramento. 100 percent of the $5 cover will be donated. Vega's is located at 910 Front Street.

Sugar Plum Vegan Cafe: On Saturday, Jan. 23, Okamoto and Galvan will be participating in another vegan bake sale from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. All sales will be donated to Life Global, an organization that will be delivering vegan meals to Haiti. Sugar Plum is located at 2315 K Street.

Capitol Roots Dance Studio: On Saturday, Jan. 23, the studio will be hosting "Hip Hop 4 Haiti" fundraiser featuring Live Manikins, Task1ne, JGood (The Usual Suspects), Verbal Taktiks along with DJ Rated R and DJ Jetski. A Bboy/girl Battle is planned along with a graffiti station. For more information visit Yele.org or CapitolRoots.com.

Punchline Comedy Club: On Tuesday, Feb. 2, Punchline Comedy Club is holding a benefit show and will donate 100 percent of door ticket sales. Comedians Ngaio Bealum, Dennis Gaxiola, and Marcella Arguello will be performing and Keith Lowell Jensen will be hosting. More comedians will be added as the date gets closer. Punchline is located at 2100 Arden Way Suite 225 in Howe 'bout Arden shopping center. For more information visit Punchline's website.

Marilyn's: On Sunday, Feb. 7, local artists will unite for "Helping Hands for Haiti," a benefit concert featuring Ryan Hernandez, Hans Eberbach, Shadia Powell, Gado Gado and Retrograde Revolution. Marilyn's is located at 908 K Street. Visit www.soulsandsounds.com for more information.

Peppers.TV: The local media production team is planning a February fundraiser. As details are finalized, they will post information on their website: www.peppershosting.com/

If there are upcoming events that have been left out or any other businesses or organizations assisting with relief, please email casey@sacramentopress.com so they can be included.

Photo credit: American Red Cross 2010 earthquake in Haiti