The catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti feels like — and is — a world away from Franklin, but it should serve as a reminder of how lucky we are here — even as one of our own bleakest hours approaches.

The death toll is rising and the damage is still being assessed, but it is being estimated that the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck near Port-au-Prince likely will claim 50,000 lives and cause enormous devastation to millions more who survived.

Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Even with our troubled economy and climbing unemployment rate, we’re rich by comparison. And we’re in a position to help.

A story on today’s front page talks about some of the local charity efforts that are in place. It’s even possible to donate money by sending a text message via your cell phone. More ways to reach out are sure to be established, and we will try to report on them as we hear about them.

At the very least, keep Haiti in your thoughts and prayers.