The American public has consistently donated their time, presence, and financial resources throughout the many tragedies that have hit various parts of the world, with the earthquake in Haiti as no exception. Even those who are dealing with foreclosure, unemployment, and financial hardship are finding ways to help.

The surge of disaster relief funds for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti has been record breaking. More money has been sent to the victims in Haiti than in any other disaster in such a short period of time with $150 million being donated in the first four days after the earthquake. Over $112 million has already been donated to just the American Red Cross to aid effort in Haiti and it has only been a couple weeks since the earthquake upturned Port-au-Prince.

Cell phone companies have played a big role in enabling many to donate $10 with ease via texting. As of last week, $22 million of the donations to the American Red Cross was through texts. No need to send a check in the mail or even find a computer to get online. The ability to help is in your purse, pocket, or palm of your hand. This successful donation revolution has made it easier for everyone to instantly make a difference in a place quite far away.

The donation numbers seem like those of our nation in a yesteryear when Starbucks were not popping up fast enough for the frappuccino demand and when finance execs were given bonuses without scrutiny. But our country is in the greatest financial peril our generation has ever seen.

Some credit the technological advance in sending aid as the source of the surge of funds going to help the Haitians in their time of need. A quick text, phone call, or visit online makes it easier than ever to contribute. Perhaps this is the change in the equation that has made Americans more generous than tragedies in the past. But there still remains the fact that “main street” has been and remains severely affected by the economic downturn.

There is no shortage of critiques over the American “lifestyle” with our oil-grubbing SUVs, small-business-devouring WalMarts, and look-at-us-we’re-rich Spencer and Heidi’s. But no critic can deny that as a nation, we have still managed to dig deep and send help despite the financial situation our country is in. Consumers have been watching their budgets more than ever, but there is still no doubt that aid will continue to pour in.

If you have yet to give or want to contribute even more:

-          The American Red Cross is sending food, water, field hospitals, sanitation facilities and aiding in family reunification.  Text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10.

-          UNICEF is working on health, safety, education and nutrition services for Haitian children.  Give at http://www.unicefusa.org or by calling 1-800-4UNICEF.

-          Habitat for Humanity is preparing to rebuild and repair homes, remove debris and provide transitional shelters.  Contribute at http://www.habitat.org or by calling 1-800-422-4828.

-          The Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund is raising resources for the Salvation Army, Mercy Corps, Red Cross, UN World Food Programme, Partners in Health and InterAction.  Text “QUAKE” to 20222 to donate $10.