ARLINGTON, VA – April 27, 2010 –The Washington Nationals are hosting "Bring a Smile to Haiti" during the month of April. Together with International Relief and Development (IRD) and Gifts In Kind International (GIK), the Nationals are collecting new toothbrushes at every home game this month. Thousands of toothbrushes have been donated thus far, and there are still opportunities to donate during this weekend's series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"Hygiene is a top priority in Haiti following the January earthquake and key to preventing the spread of disease," said Dr. Arthur Keys, President and Chief Executive Officer of IRD. "IRD is proud to be part of this initiative to support the people of Haiti as they work to build back their homes and communities."

IRD will ship the collected toothbrushes, along with other donated supplies, to Haiti and will distribute them to individuals in Port-au-Prince and in Leogane, the area closest to the epicenter of the earthquake. Since January, IRD has been focused on hygiene, sanitation, and shelter activities in Haiti. IRD has received more than $10 million worth of relief supplies to be distributed to the people of Haiti. IRD has also received nearly $300,000 in cash donations and grants from individuals and private organizations. This money is being used to immediately purchase basic humanitarian aid for the people of Haiti, to implement IRD's shelter and sanitation programs, and to help cover airfreight and shipping costs to deliver supplies to Port-au-Prince.

More information on IRD and photos can be found at www.ird.org. You may also want to follow @ird_relief on Twitter or become a fan of International Relief and Development on Facebook.