Help is rolling in

With the island nation of Haiti devastated by a recent earthquake, equipment manufacturers and construction companies have joined the relief efforts. The U.S. military was on the scene early to help out, then corporate America jumped in to give tens of millions of dollars, and that total is growing.

Dozens of U.S. companies have already pledged more than $1 million each to international relief organizations working in Haiti. And, in addition to money, equipment suppliers and construction companies are donating much-needed equipment to help rebuild Haiti's infrastructure.

JCB, the world's third-largest manufacturer of construction equipment, is donating equipment worth $150,000 to help the disaster relief effort in Haiti. The gift of two backhoe loaders was announced by JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford in response to an appeal from relief agencies for foreign aid.

"The scale of the devastation is unimaginable, and it's heart-rending to see the human suffering caused by the disaster," Bamford said. "There is clearly a lack of equipment on the island, and I hope our gift of JCB machines will help in some small way to alleviate that suffering and in the rebuilding in the aftermath of the earthquake."

The earthquake damaged the port in Haiti, which has resulted in a number of logistical challenges for getting supplies into the country.

Other companies providing equipment include Caterpillar. The company said its dealers in Haiti are part of rescue and recovery efforts in the country and Cat is also in touch with relief agencies.

"We know from past experience with natural disasters in other parts of the world that our dealers and customers using Caterpillar equipment are typically among the first responders," the company said in a written statement. "We are currently assessing the situation to determine where we can be of greatest assistance." -- Darren Constantino