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Maryland nonprofits and businesses are rushing to help Haiti following last week's devastating earthquake.

"I am happy that people are helping Haiti," said Silver Spring resident and Haiti native Mireille Hansel, the founder of Reach Out to Haiti, a nonprofit that raises money for schools and hospitals. "This is a tough time and the country needs what help it can get."

Her cousin is among the thousands who have died. The death toll could reach 200,000, according to the U.N.

CHF International, a humanitarian aid nonprofit in Silver Spring, is not only helping Haitians in the earthquake's immediate aftermath, but is helping rebuild the country in the long term. CHF sent three employees to Haiti last week and five more Monday to join the 170 employees it already has there.

"The hope is that the damage done won't reverse that change in attitude and change in direction of the country," said spokesman David Humphries.

Meanwhile, businesses are also pooling their resources to support relief efforts.

Passport Health of Baltimore, which provides travel medical services and vaccinations, and Hydro-Photon of Blue Hill, Maine, maker of portable water purifiers, are both working on health issues for victims and relief workers.

"The task facing humanitarian organizations is overwhelming," said Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health, in a statement. "Water is essential, but clean water is scarce and volunteers have to take precautions with water purification devices so that they do not become ill while helping others."

Cera Products of Columbia donated 9,000 liters of its signature product, CeraLyte, to the Child Health Foundation for Direct Relief International to send to Haiti. CeraLyte restores electrolytes and fluids lost during vomiting and diarrhea.

Hanger Orthopedic Group of Bethesda and its philanthropic wing, the Hanger Ivan R. Sabel Foundation, is providing $250,000 in funding and $225,000 in orthopedic devices. The devices, including neck and back braces, limb immobilizers, fracture boots, wrist splints and cervical collars, will go to Physicians for Peace and Project HOPE, which stands for Health Opportunities for People Everywhere.

Many of Hanger's 1,100 prosthetists and orthotists have also expressed interest in providing care and clinical expertise in Haiti, the company said.

Other companies giving money:

-Bethesda hotelier Marriott International is sending $500,000 to the Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund.

-Richard Pawlowski, who owns six Qdoba Mexican Grill franchises in Maryland, said his restaurants will donate 5 percent of their sales through Sunday. He and employees are also matching any additional donations customers make at the stores. The money will be donated to the Red Cross and Partners in Health.

-HodgsonConsulting, a Kensington Web development and technology small business, donated $2,000 to the Red Cross.

-Developer and residential property company Bozzuto of Greenbelt said it would match half of the donations made by its residents and employees for Haiti relief efforts mounted by UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam America. Its goal is to raise $20,000.

-The Bechtel Group Foundation in Frederick has pledged a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross for its relief efforts, said Bechtel spokesman Francis M. Caravan in an e-mail. The foundation will also fully match employee gifts of up to $1,000 per person and up to a total of $400,000.

-Spice maker McCormick & Co. of Sparks will combine $500,000 with donations from U.S. employees, along with matching amounts for employee contributions, to the American Red Cross of Central Maryland.

Staff Writer Meghan Tierney contributed to this report.