The efforts to help Haitians in the aftermath of the earthquake that tore apart their lives last month are too many to count, proof that when people want to band together and help those in need, anything is possible.

In addition to the major efforts, through groups like Partners in Health, the Red Cross, and Dine Out for Haiti, smaller benefits have been cropping up throughout the country to do their part in rebuilding a devastated country and its people.

On February 20th, New Yorkers will have the chance to run for Haitian relief, in a 4-mile foot race sponsored by the New York Road Runners Club. Though most NYRR races cost $20 for non-members and $17 for members, this one is $40 for everyone, reminding entrants that they're not just there to run a PR (personal record) or complete their first race. The NYRR has also made it possible to participate in the race without leaving your toasty bed, or even being in New York City, that Saturday morning: you join the field as a "virtual runner" for $30.

On February 8th, Chicago's Hope for Haiti -- not to be confused with the nonprofit organization Hope for Haiti or Hope for Haiti Now -- (I said the efforts were too many to count) will host a telethon/concert featuring the rapper Common, the Grammy Award-winning singer Tarrey Torae, and the gospel singers Donald Lawrence and Marvin Sapp.

Then, of course, there is the 20-song "Hope for Haiti Now" album, the first digital-only record to top the Billboard album charts, featuring songs by Jay-Z, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, and Justin Timberlake. And let's not forget the Quincy Jones-produced remake of "We Are the World" featuring a who's-who of the music world, including Kanye West, Celine Dion, Carlos Santana, Harry Connick Jr., and Barbara Streisand, among a few dozen others.

Such widespread devotion to a cause offers hope not just for Haiti, but for humanity as a whole. It proves that collective altruism is still possible, and that our species may not be so self-serving after all. If you know of other efforts to aid the relief effort where you live, please drop a comment so that others can join the cause.

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