The destruction in Haiti has South Carolinians ready to lend a hand.  Wednesday Columbia officials announced they're joining forces with the nation's FEMA response crew to do what they can to help. 

"When you deal with the human suffering many people are hopeless, they don't know what to do," said Scott Salemme.

Columbia leaders want to replenish that lost hope.  On Wednesday the city announced their joint efforts with the Red Cross, fire department, local colleges and faith-based groups to help Haiti.  Red Cross Chief Executive Scott Salemme knows there are many in need.

"When you can come together as a community and support organizations like the Red Cross, we can provide that hope to them," said Salemme.

On January 12th, the earthquake that rattled Haiti's capital city of Port-au-Prince was felt around the world.

"Even though we are not there we see the pain, we see the disaster and the only thing we can do is come together to help," said Councilman E.W. Cromartie.

"We have our own problems," said South Carolina resident Samuel Tenebaum.  "We've had a recession, but this community and this country is showing it's real character."

Citywide campaigns are underway collecting money to help Haitians overcome the crisis.  Scott Salemme says across the U.S. more than $30 million have been collected through the Red Cross, alone.  In addition to the financial contributions, volunteers are also coming forward in big numbers. Officials say this support is necessary in the ongoing recovery effort.

"We're going to help out until the cause is done," said Salemme.  "It's going to be a long-term effort really."

An effort that will require many hands to help those in need.