Help Haitians through the Jazz

The Utah Jazz organization is giving its fans multiple opportunities to extend a helping hand to those who’ve been devastated by the recent disastrous earthquake in Haiti.

The team announced this afternoon that it’s partnering with the NBA and UNICEF to help raise emergency funds for Haitian victims.

Here’s when and/or where Jazz fans can help:

- Before tonight’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers and prior to playing the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, Jazz dancers and staff members will accept charitable donations near the EnergySolutions Arena entrances.

- Donations to UNICEF can be made both on utahjazz.com through a link or by calling 1-800-4UNICEF.

- The Jazz will participate in Ch. 2′s telethon, which will take place Friday from 5-6:30 p.m.

Team president Randy Rigby is hopeful the Jazz community will reach out to the Haitians however possible.

“Jazz fans are known for their strong sense of loyalty and generosity, and in this time of great need for the people of Haiti, we are asking them to help the Jazz and UNICEF provide assistance and relief to the victims of this tragedy,” Rigby said.

These are the sobering facts per the release from the Jazz:

“During the afternoon of Jan. 12, an earthquake, registering 7.0 on the Richter scale, rocked Haiti, causing mass devastation. Haiti, which is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere and has a population of 9.6 million, is in dire need of funds to provide safe water, temporary shelter systems and essential medical supplies.

“A long-time NBA partner who has been on the ground in Haiti since 1949, UNICEF is ready to provide immediate support to the victims of this unfolding humanitarian crisis. Funds are urgently needed to provide safe water, temporary shelter systems and essential medical supplies and additional services to the estimated three million victims, at least half of whom are thought to be children. In coordination with other UN agencies present on the ground, UNICEF will provide supplies to allow access to adequate sanitation, clean water and basic health care.”