Hurricane Katrina - Page 3

**jgibson2**[$] · #81 09-02-2005, 11:46 AM

Those of you with "stuff" and not money should also keep in mind that you have local charities with local folks who may need your stuff. I have no practical way to get a box of canned goods to New Orleans, but I'm going to take one to church with me on Sunday for our local food pantry. Their donations are likely to be down as a result of this latest disaster.

I would like to suggest, though, that if Cindy is aware of any needs local to HER that we can help meet that she post them here. For example, if her school district is collecting kids' clothing and doesn't get overwhelmed from local donations, or if there is something else specific she knows about that we can send to school officials in her district -- or her school, if she's comfortable with that. Perhaps they have (or will shortly) a tax-deductible fund within the district, or her school, for providing for basic needs for these new students?

Anyone else with direct contacts to refugees may have suggestions for us as well. I plan to give directly to some of the larger charities, but I'd love to have an opportunity to do something with a smaller, more direct option as well.

**jgibson2**[$] · #82 09-02-2005, 11:48 AM

Quote:

erik_kosberg said

[url]

< twisted_thought >
Right at this very moment, how many people are working on a made-for-TV movie about Katrina?
< /twisted_thought >

Took the words out of my mouth.

**pippadaisy**[$] · #83 09-02-2005, 12:02 PM

Or Cindy... what about school supplies for these kids? Books?

Redlass · #84 09-02-2005, 12:05 PM

Perhaps we should have a quick index--the thread for arguing that's in the Symposium, the current events thread, the water cooler thread and a reminder that each ahs different purposes?

That way people who are angry and need to argue can go there. People who want information on how to help can go to the right thread; and people who want to talk in a communal, comforting way can do that as well. They're all valid needs and it is why we have different forums.

(Edited to add that I'm working on such an index right now--seemed silly to post that we should have it as if it would magically appear.)

**AuntieEmma**[$] · #85 09-02-2005, 03:32 PM

Another place to donate:

The Houston Food Bank. They say that they can buy $25 worth of food for every $1 you donate.

mtbat · #86 09-08-2005, 11:04 PM

my friend in N.O finally checked in, the company she works for got her an apartment, she's got next to nothing, but she has a job, a computer and somewhere to live so she's okay. I'm so relived.

*emeleel* · #87 09-09-2005, 09:24 AM

That's good to hear!

As far as I know, my husband's company still hasn't heard from their 3 employees in NO.

mtbat · #88 09-10-2005, 03:11 PM

Oh Melanie

I hope they are found alive and well.

I should clarrify-the company she works for gave her a computer so she can work out of her home for the next few months, they estimate it will be at least three months before they can even go back to check damages. There is a slight possiblity that her house is still standing(it was on slightly higher ground, but inbetween Tulane and the river

)
She works for an insurance company, she has flood insurance thank God.

*emeleel* · #89 09-10-2005, 05:07 PM

That's so wonderful to hear! It really amazes me, with all the money problems that so many companies are facing these days, how so many companies are really stepping up to the plate and digging in to help their employees. Like one hotel that is co-owned by some star from one of the CSI shows - they're trying to track down all their employees so that they can continue to pay them as normal. He was also talking about outfitting the hotel for the employees and their families to live there free of charge once the city was dried out, but I guess that plan has probably changed since the evacuation was put in place

**theworm**[$] · #90 09-10-2005, 06:21 PM

There are so many people doing great things that we don't hear about. So many heros out there!
Melanie - I hope they find them all alive and safe.

slim_elam · #91 09-13-2005, 06:46 PM

Thoughts from the side lines
As I watch the stories come from Old Orleans, death, distruction and the human conditon caused by Katrina, it has dawned on me : Could this be a blessing in disquise, and a lesson for the world?
The Mayor of Orleans, the goverment he despises, not fast enough, not thourough enough, too slow. The people of Orleans too poor and too low to make it better and to the World we show how vulnerable we are.
As vulnerable as the shepards of Isreal, the sands of time, the Nomands of Syria, we the people of the United States of America, the Good, the Bad, the Ugly, are Vulnerable and most of all, fello peoples of the world.
So here we are, Naked to the World. Slim Elam

Redlass · #92 09-13-2005, 07:01 PM

I don't know that I would be willing to call it a blessing, but I do believe that it is possible for good to come out of even the most direst of evils; for hope to rise out of destruction and for anyone to learn lessons and become better from any disaster.

Which is not to say I think what happened was a good thing.