Like many of you, I've prayed and cried for the victims of the devastating hurricane, Katrina -- those in New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Gulfport, Biloxi). Thousands upon thousands of people have lost loved ones, lost their homes, all their belongings and have nothing since this catastrophic event but the clothing they were wearing when it hit. Outside the Convention Center in New Orleans, the sidewalks were packed with people without food, water or medical care, and with no sign of law enforcement. Thousands of storm refugees had been assembling outside for days, waiting for buses -- that did not come. This is an horrendous situation.

PRAYER is great, BUT what would be most helpful would be to DONATE. They need money! Not items like clothing or food, but money. From what I understand, money donated to "Hurricane Relief" at American Red Cross is immediately turned over to the victims as debit cards which they can use to buy whatever they need.

It doesn't matter how much you send, but how can any of us sit back and do nothing? Just imagine, if everyone in the United States alone sent even one dollar -- how much money that would contribute to the victims. And, many of us can afford much more than one dollar.

Contributions would be most appreciated from anywhere in the world. They also say to check with your company to see if they're engaging in a "matching donations" program.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Some reputable organizations being recommended to make donations - which can be done via the Internet or by sending in a check marked "Katrina Relief" -- are:

• American Red Cross
  
  Click on the Red "Donate Now" button and then: "Hurricane 2005 Relief and other Related Events"
  You can also call 1.800.HELP.NOW (1-800.435.7669)
  
• United Way - Hurricane Katrina Response Fund
  
• The Salvation Army
  
• United Jewish Communities: Federation of North America
  
• United Freedom Corps - Hurricane Katrina Relief
  
  ... and let's not forget the animals:
  
• The Humane Society of the United States - Promoting The Protection of All Animals

You'll find all the information you need on the above sites, or select an organzation of your choice. Just be cautious because there has been news of many bogus fund-raising organizations popping up to collect money that will only end up in their own pockets. Be especially cautious about responding to E.mails soliciting donations.

Let's all ban together and do what we can to help

Thank you.
Dearest
and
Power Surge

Thank you, Dearest, for putting this information on the site. I had heard that there were some fraudulent emails going around pretending to be from the Red Cross, and I was concerned that I gave to some crook, but I checked with my credit card company and it was legit.

Here's hoping and praying that Americans will open their purses and help out these poor, terrified people.

We took up donations at work to be sent to the Red Cross. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and agony those poor people are suffering. It all seems so unreal. Bless the hearts of the people that are volunteering to go down there and assist. I wish I was able to do the same.
Thank you for posting this Dearest. I am going to click on the Humane Society link right now.

the fact that i don't live in USA i think made me NOT be aware of this!! i contributed for madagascar 3years ago i think.. and i often visit a home for children. [orphanage]