The Pirates will collect money to benefit the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund at each stop during the Pirates Winter Caravan that begins on Sunday, Jan. 24, and goes through Thursday, Jan. 28. Fans will also be able to donate at PirateFest, taking place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center from Friday, Jan. 29 through Sunday, Jan. 31.

All donations will be given to the American Red Cross for its efforts to assist the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti with their essential needs such as food, clothing, water, shelter and basic medical supplies.

"Pirates fans have shown in the past they can be counted on when people are in need, and the need of the people in Haiti today is enormous," team president Frank Coonelly said. "We are very proud to partner with the Red Cross to help the people of Haiti and we would like to thank our fans in advance for any donation they may be able to contribute during the Winter Caravan or at PirateFest."

At each Caravan stop, American Red Cross collection containers will be available for fans to deposit their donations. At PirateFest, fans wishing to donate should go to the Pirates Charities booth.

Those who donate $5 or more at PirateFest will receive a complimentary Roberto Clemente "21" button while supplies last. Cash, along with checks made out to the "American Red Cross" with the word "Haiti" noted in the check's memo section, will be accepted.

"The generosity shown by the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania since the disaster struck has been very touching, and this partnership with the Pirates is a perfect example," said Patricia Waldinger, CEO of the local Red Cross. "We are very thankful to the Pirates for setting up a fundraiser that will help people who are in desperate need."

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. Victims of thousands of disasters each year can be helped by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster.

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