"It's not about being nice; its about survival"

[quidditchgrrl]

I gave a little bit of money to the Red Cross Thursday. I had planned to give a more substantial amount once I got paid today. But you know what? The government has done such a piss-poor job of security/rescue/recovery, I'm not going to give anything until I can contribute with tangible goods. That way I know that it's going to help people who need it. I might actually donate through the Salvation Army, since it seems they've been the only source of relief in some areas (even though their policy on gays is not mine).

Comments

[nmalfoy.livejournal.com]

Actually, money is the most useful thing you can donate. All the agencies are inundated with tangible stuff. We have so much stuff here that we've cut off donations and are asking for money. If you don't want to do that, gift cards to Target/Wal-Mart/Sears are the next best thing. It takes time and trucks and people to get the goods to the people who need it. It's far easier for the agencies to say "Hm, we need bedding", call up Sears, buy them in bulk for much cheaper than retail, and have them delivered. You can also donate your time, which is the most valuable thing of all.

And remember too that the government has nothing to do with agencies like the Red Cross, Humane Society, et al.

If you're an animal lover, a good organization to give to is noahswish.org.

[nmalfoy.livejournal.com]

P.S. With tangible goods, because there is such an influx of them, many of them are put in storage and likely won't end up being used by the people it was intended for. Even the guy from the Salvation Army who was on my show said that if canned goods weren't used for Katrina victims, they would be used by *someone* here. And that's very true, but if you have your heart set on helping a certain set of people, keep that in mind.

[authenticjoy.livejournal.com]

In one of my journal posts I also listed some animal rescues who are specifically working with the animal victims of Katrina. NSAL is an excellent organization in particular and my dollars went to HSUS this time. The other organization is actually looking for warm bodies this time. I was surprised by that.

Oddly, animal rescues usually need bedding and other odd items of the same nature and people don't often think of them for that. It might be helpful. Even donating it to your local HSUS chapter/shelter is helpful because it takes some of the financial strain from the national office and frees up dollars to go to the victims of the hurricane.

[nmalfoy.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link! You're so right, and people don't think to take towels and blankets to the animal shelter, where they are just as needed. Anything to help the animals. I am an animal lover.

[bunnicula38.livejournal.com]

Awww, my widdle Hannahkins!! How I miss her so much. :-(

I read a sad story about a little boy who had to leave his dog behind when he boarded the bus from the Superdome to go to the Astrodome. He was in tears and kept crying out "Snowball, Snowball" and vomited. That story really touched my heart. The National Guardsman said that he didn't know what would happen to the dog. Animal rescue donation is a good idea.

[azurerose.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was going to say Noah's Wish as well. They're located just an hour or so from where I live. So many people just concentrate on the humans suffering, and forget about the poor animals (companion pets, strays, and livestock) that have also suffered.

I sent them a couple of dollars... all I can afford right now, being out of work.

[authenticjoy.livejournal.com]

It's good to be careful who you give money to. There are enough charities out there that you can find one that matches your philosophy. The Red Cross is just always there. They never cease to amaze me.

BTW, listen to the interview from the link on my journal today and maybe link it from here. I think you will be glad you did.

[bunnicula38.livejournal.com]

I don't like to just give out money or goods to organizations and not knowing where they end up. I have a co-worker who has taken in a refugee from Katrina into her home which is very kind of her as she earns very little money. I plan on her helping her because I know where my money is going in this instance.

[wildebeth.livejournal.com]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is the S.A.'s policy on gays?