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By Marisela Santana, Staff Writer --  

If there is any immediate lesson learned in the two-plus weeks since Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake, it is that the power to make a difference is in all of our hands.

Aside from supporting the efforts of the American Red Cross, International Medical Corps, Partners in Health and UNICEF — and many other organizations — millions around the world have contributed $10 to relief efforts by texting HAITI to 90999, which allows them to donate through their phone bills.

In and around Los Angeles, there has been no shortage of work to provide for victims of the disaster.

From the first day after the catastrophe, Culver City-based Operation USA has sent medical supplies to the capital city of Port-au-Prince, and used its Web site as a clearinghouse through which individuals can make cash pledges and corporations can donate health care supplies, water purification tablets and food supplements.

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, who represents a section of South L.A., has proposed legislation that would give tax relief to Californians who donate to earthquake relief efforts.

What follows is a partial list of other people and organizations determined to send not just money and provisions to Haiti, but also a strong, unmistakable message to all who are suffering on the island: You are no longer alone.

Olivia Wilde & Artists For Peace and Justice, along with a long list of celebrities and artists that includes Rashida Jones, Taraji P. Henson and Zachary Quinto, hosts a night of art and compassion for the victims in Haiti. There will be musical performances, KCRW deejay Mathieu Schreyer, a silent auction and short films. With a minimum donation of $100 per guest, 100 percent of the event’s proceeds will go directly toward relief efforts. Jan. 28. Track 16 Gallery, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 264-4678

Co-hosted by Stephanie Pratt and singer Jordan Johnson (who will perform), all proceeds from a pre-Grammy Awards party at H.Wood Lounge in Hollywood will go to benefit relief efforts by the Santa Monica Chapter of the American Red Cross. The goal of the evening: to raise money, awareness and action for Haiti. Jan. 29 at 8:30 p.m. The H.Wood, 1738 N. Orange Drive, Hollywood. (310) 300-0950

Lighthouse Cafe will hold an all-day earthquake relief benefit, with performances by Identity Theft, South Bay Rockers and Dan O’Sullivan. Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 30 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. (310) 372-6911

On a visit to the weekly community forum at the African-American Cultural Center, Rep. Maxine Waters will give a report on her recent fact-finding mission to Haiti, providing the community with an eyewitness report on the condition of the Haitian people and their needs. Jan. 31. 3018 W. 48th St., Los Angeles. (323) 299-6124

Comedian Mark Curry hosts the benefit Comics 4 Haiti, a pay-what-you-can event with all proceeds from ticket sales and refreshments going to the Doctors Without Borders Haiti Relief Fund. Jan. 31. The J Spot Comedy Club, 5581 W. Manchester Ave., Inglewood. (310) 337-9057

The Pasadena Playhouse is planning a one-night-only benefit concert, with proceeds going to support three relief funds — Save the Children, UNICEF and the Clinton/Bush Haiti Fund. Tickets for the concert are $25, $50 and $100.

Performers scheduled to appear include Loretta Devine, James Barbour, Dawnn Lewis, Shoshana Bean, Sharon Lawrence, Yvette Cason, Sharon Brown and others. There will also be a pre-show raffle, with items donated by local theaters and businesses. Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m. 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. (626) 356-7529 Hollywood Unites for Haiti (haitianhero.com), a charity founded by actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, will be the beneficiary of a party to celebrate the relaunch of celebrity stylist Marc Littlejohn’s Web site. Co-hosted by actress Vivica A. Fox and former NBA player Olden Polynice, the event will include live performances by soul band VH-Yes and hip-hop outfit Illadox, as well as a resort swimwear contest. Feb. 7. Zanzibar, 1301 5th St., Santa Monica. (310) 451-2221 The 18th annual Pan African Film Festival will screen the award-winning “Haiti: The Sleeping Giant,” from Feb. 11-17, with proceeds from ticket sales going toward the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund. This documentary looks at the historical achievements of the former slave colony, which in 1804 became the second nation in the New World to establish an independent government.

Culver Plaza Theatre, 9919 Washington Blvd., Culver City. (310) 337-4737

There are also a number of ongoing efforts:

Mickelson Civil, founder of Vie Water, grew up in Cité Soleil — perhaps the poorest area in Port-Au Prince. Having experienced constant illness from drinking contaminated water as a child, his L.A.-based nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping provide clean water to people in Haiti and other developing nations.

Dedicated to changing a harsh reality — that many people around the world go for days without clean water — the organization raises awareness of the crisis and offers opportunities to sponsor a well, host fundraising events or simply purchase water for those who need it. Donations can be made through its Web site (www.viewater.org) or by calling (310) 403-4279.

TiGeorges Chicken, located at 309 Glendale Blvd. in Echo Park, has already collected more than $15,000 in cash contributions and medical supplies to go toward relief efforts. All donations go to musician Wyclef Jean’s Yéle Haiti Foundation. (213) 353-9994

Urth Caffe, located at 8565 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood, is donating $10 for every bag sold of its heirloom organic coffee. At the end of the month, all proceeds will go to the International Medical Corps. (310) 659-0628

Cumbancha and Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from an early release of the single “Global Threat” to the International Rescue Committee (www.theirc.org) for Haitian earthquake relief efforts. Founded in 1933, the IRC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid, relief and resettlement to refugees and other victims of oppression or violent conflict. The song will be available for a minimum donation of $1, but those who give $100 or more will receive physical and digital copies of the full “Rise & Shine” album weeks before its official release date in March.