Katrina's victims...how you can help

[TklDuo-Ann]

I've heard a lot of folks saying that they don't have much money and don't know how to help the victims of Katrina. In times like this, those of us who are watching from the sidelines may often feel at a loss for how to help. Here are some practical ideas I had...even if you don't think you have much to give. Please feel free to add to them if you have others. Everyone, no matter what their financial position is, can likely help in some way.

1. If you go out to dinner on a regular basis, skip that treat every now and then and donate what you would have spent to one of the agencies helping out. (We generally eat 2 or 3 meals a week out. We're going to cut one of those out and set the money aside.)

2. If you smoke or drink a lot, give up one here and there and donate the money you save. (I drink a ton of soda. I'm cutting back to a can a day and saving the money we save on that.)

3. If you really can't afford to give money, think about calling your local Red Cross and helping with local efforts to raise funds. (I plan to help do canister collections at our local grocery stores, WalMarts, etc.)

4. If you've thought of clearing out unneeded items from your home, consider donating them to agencies that can pass them along to those who need them....OR...have a tag sale and donate the proceeds. (We'll be doing a tag sale, which we're inviting neighbors to join in, and donating what we raise.)

These are just a few ideas. If you check CNN's web site, they have lists of other ways to help. This is a disaster that's going to require months, if not years, of assistance to help the victims survive and get their lives back together. This isn't just a political issue or a government issue. It's a human issue. It's OUR responsibility. We're all a family of humanity. We need to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need. Please join me in whatever way you can.

If folks feel more inclined to help those we know, perhaps we can organize a fund for Joby, He-Man and others effected by the storms and their aftermath. We may not get a lot. But, at this point, every penny counts.

Ann

 

[Storm_Cat]

Clothing!! THAT's IT!! thank you Ann, I never even thought of that. We have so much clothing since my dad died, I'm sure someone can use it! I have tons of clothes I never wear anymore as well, and will immediately start sorting through it!

T.y.

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

Hey Cat! Be sure you check with the local agencies to find out who's sending clothing over to them. Since you're in TX, there may be more doing that than up here. But, if you want it to go to them, the best thing to do is check, since there are always other needs being tended to as well.

For those who may need it, here's the link to CNN's list of agencies helping in the relief efforts... http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2005/katrina/help.center/

Ann

 

[venray]

We have a lot of extra things that we dont need from the recent move we have made and will be boxing up the usable to donate....

The company I work for has made a $30,000 donation, and an additional 10 K is coming out of the pocket of our owner. We lost a store and 20 people have still not been heard from. A special relief fund has been set up for those that make it through this.

Our customers can donate at our company website and in our stores as well....

Everyone has to pull together to get those people back on their feet and give them back a somewhat normal life....


Ray

 

[TKpervert]

Yep, what Ven said. These are real people who have been devastated (lost everything) and they need help. Nobody should sit on the sidelines and assume somebody else will help them. You should help. Even $5 will help.

Don't be dissuaded that the Fed is tossing in $10 billion and feel that that will make your $5 meaningless. The Fed bureaucracy will most certainly find a way to fuck up the application of that $10 billion, the money will never get where it's needed.

Give your $5 to Red Cross or Salvation Army, who's coffers are taking a beating and will need rebuilding even months from now, for the next disaster. A big beating. Make it $10.

Those of you who are considering donating clothing or canned goods, check that the receiving charity is prepared to process and ship those items.

I'm afraid N'awlins will never be the same again.

 

[JPie1]

Giantfan121262 and I gave money to the redcross. Plus through my company we have a matching gift process, my company is also collecting food, clothing etc. We do charitable donations year round, my son offered to give up his allowance for a couple of weeks as I explained to him many children have nothing left after the storm. It is great to get the kids involved and to understand at an early age.

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

Does the Red Cross take canned food donation. I am a little leary of what happened with the money after 9/11, and how much didn't get to those who needed it. I took a second job at night and I will buy canned food if they take donations.

Buggs, I'm not sure that they do. But, I'm pretty sure that food share and americare do. There are likely others as well. If you check the listing on the CNN web site, I'm sure you'll find them.

Other groups keep popping up too. We had collections of clothing, toiletries and non-perishable items at all of the CT armories to collect things to be sent down. Right now, with people being taken into neighboring states and into other people's homes, it will likely be more difficult for lesser known agencies to reach them with aid. For all its faults, the red cross is still the most likely to be able to continue getting help to these folks.

It's things like this that can bring people together and remind us that we're all brothers and sisters. There've been so many glowing examples of people caring that they greatly outweigh the impact of those who choose to take advantage and rip people off.

Ann

 

[4Pawz]

I'm a member of a community service/volunteer organization for disasters. They activated all volunteers as of yesterday. I know the Salvation Army in combo with the Red Cross and some other organizations are involved in the big help, since we just got a large number of survivors from the disaster here this weekend.

Ann is right, everyone can help in their own little way. I will be helping people check in, make sure they are comfy as they can get, and make sure no one gets hurt or sick. I am also taking donations from my work over to the center as well. Anything you can do, any tiny little bit, adds up fast.

I know we are accepting canned food, diapers, clothing, blankets, we can make use of almost anything. I just donated a whole bunch of clothes and ASU and I donate money when and where we can. Also remember, the Red Cross can always use blood donations, anytime. So if you have nothing else to give, that is always an option.

Thank you to all of you helping, each in your own way. It's part of what keeps this country strong. Despite what happens, we still team up and work together!

Pawz

 

[TKpervert]

Nice to see you posting Pawz, wondered where you were.