Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief - $15,161.08 Raised and Counting

Cross-Posted at On The Left Tip.

Relief organizations are starting to get ramped up.  I found an excellent article in Information Week detailing which organizations are already primed and ready to start providing relief to areas, lives and businesses devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

After the fold are some ideas on how you can help.

Update [2005-8-30 18:25:40 by RenaRF]: Hold on to your shorts (or panties). Thanks to Devilstower who issued a challenge and then to ends with space and G Spot1 who responded (see this thread for the history), we now have another $2,100 added to the previous total of $2,740.01. The grand total is now $4,840.01. I shit you not. You guys just fucking totally blew me away today. You ROCK.

Update [2005-8-31 19:03:15 by RenaRF]: More donations coming in since my last update. We are now over $9,000 coming in at $15,161.08!!!

I think it's a wonderful thing that new Orleans was spared a "worst case scenario" hit by Katrina. Unfortunately, I think that worst-case predictions and subsequent "dodged the bullet" reports are taking away from the magnitude of devastation across the three states most impacted by Katrina. Moreover, the storm is still out there dropping prolific amounts of rain on other states. Relief is needed for Gulf Coast victims and it's needed now. What follows are the organizations that will be actively working to give relief to Katrina's victims.

The American Red Cross
Donation Link: Click here and select 'Donate Now'.
Relief focus: The Red Cross provides a full spectrum of services to disaster victims. From assistance with shelter, medical care, food, clean water and cleanup efforts, the Red Cross is an organization poised to assist in circumstances such as this.

Feed The Children
Donation Link: Click here and follow the donation link.
Relief focus: Feed the Children has long been competent at mobilizing and distributing supplies to disaster victims and victims of famine and disease. They are currently mobilizing a massive relief effort by gathering needed supplies and getting them to hurricane devastated areas.

The Salvation Army
Donation Link: Click here and follow the donate on line link.
Relief focus: The Salvation Army is prepared to provide 400,000 hot meals a day to displaced disaster victims and emergency personnel working to aid those devastated by Hurricane Katrina. They also provide a means for individuals to physically volunteer their time and assistance in the relief efforts.

United Jewish Communities
Donation Link: Click here and choose upper-right Katrina relief links.
Relief focus: Community organized and administered humanitarian relief for disaster victims.

Catholic Charities USA
Donation Link: Click here and follow instructions to donate online, by mail, or by phone.
Relief focus: Community based relief efforts focused on the long-terms needs of disaster victims and affected communities.

United Methodist Committee on Relief
Donation Link: Click here and follow the 'Donate Now' link.
Relief focus: Although they provide general community-based disaster relief, they are also focusing on the creation and distribution of "flood buckets", a more hands-on relief item for those who prefer to donate with a personal touch.

Noah's Wish
Donation Link: Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Relief focus: Noah's Wish is a not-for-profit, animal welfare organization, with a straightforward mission. We exist to keep animals alive during disasters. That's it.

Humane Society of the United States
Donation Link: Click here.
Relief focus: Dispatching Disaster Animal Response Teams (DARTs) to rescue animals and assist their caregivers.

ASPCA
Donation Link: Click here and choose the type of giving you prefer.
Relief focus: Although they do not yet have anything specific to Katrina up on their site, the ASPCA sends emergency relief to animal shelters when natural disasters occur.

North Shore Animal League America
Donation link: Click here and select 'Donate'.
Relief focus: NSAL America has an emergency response team that is ready to respond in the event of an emergency. In 2004, we responded to the devastating hurricanes in the south.

United Way
Donation Link: Click here and follow Katrina donation links.
Relief focus: United Way is leading response and recovery efforts by working hard to identify the most serious needs of devastated communities and is committed to helping not only with front-line disaster relief but with long-term recovery—those needs that are often not addressed in the days, weeks and months following a disaster.

America's Second Harvest
Donation link: Click here.
Relief focus: They expect at least ten food banks and hundreds of related agencies will be hit by hurricane 'Katrina'. Their Network is in great need of funds to transport food to victims and secure additional warehouse space to assist our Member food banks in resuming and maintaining operations.

Direct Relief International
Donation link: Click here and select 'Support Us'.
Relief focus: Because of the organization’s extensive medical inventories, Direct Relief serves as a private back-up support to official emergency response efforts in the United States.

Habitat for Humanity
Donation link: Click here and follow the Katrina link.
Relief focus: Helping disaster victims rebuild piece by piece and house by house.

The Better Business Bureau's Give.org site can help you decide which charity if you are torn. They have reports available on major charitable organizations and, in some cases, detailed information on a charity's organization and administration.

Now is definitely the time to reach out and help these victims. This is not a political issue as all of you know.  It's a human issue.

Thanks for caring.

Update [2005-8-30 14:53:42 by RenaRF]: I would also like to humbly offer this link. It takes you to a mail form to write the US Coast Guard. These guys are doing heroic and dangerous work in trying to rescue trapped hurricane survivors. If you have a moment perhaps you could send an attaboy.

•  Recommended

  Good job, Rena. Now, let's see some of that kossack generosity spring into action.  $20 to Red Cross coming soon...

  by histopresto on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 08:26:20 AM PDT

  •  please do not forget

    As always the poor will be the last served. PLEASE do not forget MISSISSIPPI. The people that have lost the most are already off the screen. Help the people with the least. The media will not be filming areas where people had nothing to begin with. These poor of MISS need as much or more as NO

    by glass house on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:02:04 AM PDT

    •  See "Mississippi Flooding: donate now"

           at http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/8/30/11578/6639

      by David Boyle on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:40:48 AM PDT

      •  Good job...

        everyone should try to do something if they can.

        by RichardG on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:19:53 PM PDT

        •  How about the penny?

          Online fundraising for political candidates brought the penny to show it came from us netroots.

          How about we use the Kossack penny in our donations to the charities listed above?  Let them know that progressives are the people of "how can we help" rather than "what's in it for me."

          It's simple.  Instead of giving, say, $10, give them $10.01.  Enough of those extra pennies not only help more people but can let them see where their supporters come from.
          

          The Music Room - Every weekend. Music & Musicians discussion.

          by madhaus on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 04:53:58 PM PDT

          •  Did that Sun to the Red Cross out of habit ! n/t

            by murphy on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:37:52 PM PDT

      •  Thanks David

          Hope I did not drag you away from watching volleyball. (joke) My point was that the poverty areas will get little or nothing and that drives me nuts. I am in northwest Ontario and run a fishing camp. I am thinking about cancelling a week or two and closing early to go south to help. I am a US citizen and I can start my off season early, Money I can make any year And the moose that will be spared  will thank me untill they find out that I transfered my hunters to another outfitter. I am Agnostic  but want to hook up with a good charitable group to help rebuild this winter.I have time in the off season and think it is time I give somthing back

        by glass house on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:21:30 PM PDT

        •  What A Sweet Person You Are

          Saving humanity and the moose all in one fell swoop!  

          by eafredel on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:31:57 PM PDT

          •  I detect a note of sarcasm?

            N/C

            by glass house on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 02:07:49 PM PDT

          •  My first response

             Fuck off. If you have never volunteered go away

            by glass house on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 02:11:19 PM PDT

            •  No Sarcasm Intended

              No sarcasm was intended.  I applaud your willingness to volunteer.

              by eafredel on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 02:41:57 PM PDT

        •  Volunteering help?

          I'm posting this both here and down-thread.  Sorry for repetition.

          I'm a semi-retired RN with current license who can go there and help, if I can find an organization to work with.  Any ideas?  Any way to get past the robot answering machines at FEMA?

          by altoid on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 02:27:26 PM PDT

          •  email address

            for Memorial Medical Center in New Orleans:

            [e-mail]

            Phone: [phone]

            by magic1 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 02:49:21 PM PDT

    •  Hi Glass

      FYI - all of the charities I list are for Hurricane Katrina aid - not specific to Louisiana or any other state for that matter.  It will generally go to the relief fund.

      Fret not...

      by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:43:53 AM PDT

      •  Episcopal Relief and Development

        will let you designate your donation as being for Katrina disaster relief.

        Go to Episcopal Relief and Development  They are very good about sticking with projects long term and are focused on housing the poor right now.  Their main efforts at this moment are aimed at Mississipi.

        by abbyv on Wed Aug 31, 2005 at 11:34:12 PM PDT

    •  Update Glass

      Arkansas has dispatched 350 National Guard personnel to Mississippi to help with the devastation.

      by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:23:55 PM PDT

    •  Mississippi

      Since Catholic Charities is listed above I hope it's OK to also mention Episcopal Relief and Development, not only because I'm always shamelessly plugging my denomination but because their website says they have already sent emergency help to Mississippi.  They've sent cash as well as practical stuff like generators and chainsaws to help with rescue work.

      I sent $25.01 to ERD today, but I'll have more money to give after the first of the month.

      Because of the last minute turn to the east, Mississippi took the direct Category Four eye hit that had been predicted for New Orleans, and was battered by the strongest and most dangerous winds.  there are some really poor people in that coastal area and, as glass house correctly noted, they won't get as much media attention as NO.

      Last but not least, let's show some love to the red states.  If it were a disaster in a blue area I know the freepers would not be pouring out money as we are doing now.  </cynicism>

      by TrueBlueMajority on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 06:02:55 PM PDT

      •  Thank You

        I like the Episcopalians.

        Or as my husband calls them, the "Whisky-palians"

        (He grew up Southern Baptist.)

        by bliss149 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 07:47:04 PM PDT

        •  OT re "Whiskypalians"

          Wherever there are four of them, you'll always find a fifth!

          sorry for the OT joke but sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.

          by TrueBlueMajority on Wed Aug 31, 2005 at 10:27:55 AM PDT

  •  Take advantage of Lowe's matching donations

    Anyone who lives near a Lowe's should do this if possible. Lowe's put out a press release after Hurricane Dennis saying they will match all in-store customers' disaster-relief donations to Red Cross up to $1 million total this year. So the amount of money you donate will be doubled.

    by chantedor on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 04:41:36 PM PDT

•  Recommended and Done

  I sent a generous contribution to the Red Cross.  Over the weekend, I will make a contribution to UMCOR at church.  

  Thanks RenaRF for this great resource.  You made contributing easy through these links.
  

  by eafredel on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 08:29:50 AM PDT

•  Recommended, thanks so much, Rena n/t

  by Cathy on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 08:45:26 AM PDT

•  I've helped pack flood buckets

  for UMCOR through our church when hurricane Floyd flooded out eastern North Carolina.

  It's a good, practical relief group that works with national as well as international relief efforts.

    Thanks for including it in your excellent round-up, Rena.

  by mrsdbrown1 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 08:49:03 AM PDT

•  Good job

       Didn't notice this diary until just now, so had put my own "Mississippi Flooding" diary up above. More than one doesn't hurt though. :D

  by David Boyle on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:08:53 AM PDT

  •  Thanks David....

    I'm so slow at this.  I was thinking of a New Orleans diary.  You know, the whole city of New Orleans, bit, with a plea not to forget that flooding is horrific there, and people are dying or dead.

    But, like I said, I'm slooooow and I'm not much of a diary/call to action writer.  Good on both you and Rena.

    I'm a Louisiana resident with an emotional attachment to this historical city.

    Yes, I know I'm supposed to care about Gulfport too and I do care about it.

    by Cathy on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:19:37 AM PDT

•  Please recommend and act on this diary!

  by petewsh61 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:20:56 AM PDT

•  Thanks y'all.

  I completely broke my own longstanding rule of never whoring a diary in another recommended diary but the two that are about the hurricane and what have you, I felt compelled and posted in the comments.  

  I am desperate to feel like I have a part in whatever little bit of assistance is rendered - this whole thing is literally breaking my heart.

  by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:24:50 AM PDT

  •  With Matching Contributions

    Your diary already has produced over $1000 in donations.

    by eafredel on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:28:26 AM PDT

•  Thanks

  Good "menu" of options. Just because Red Cross is listed first doesn't mean they are the only choice. They "organize adn coordinate" the relief efforts, along with FEMA - which means telling the other groups where they are needed to provide support. The deployed agencies and organizations have to supply or buy their own fuel, supplies, blankets, water, whatever.

  Speaking of coordination, did you know that many RC/FEMA employees have double sided business cards? One side shows them as Red Cross staff, the other as FEMA staff. Someone told me they actually "work for" FEMA, but are paid by RC.

  by Catte Nappe on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:27:32 AM PDT

•  Please include

  
  
  Noah's Wish

  Donation link: Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.
  Relief focus: "Noah's Wish is a not-for-profit, animal welfare organization, with a straightforward mission.  We exist to keep animals alive during disasters.  That's it."

  by bumblebums on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:33:08 AM PDT

  •  done

    thank you for posting that.  i've donated to them.

    by anna on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:51:43 AM PDT

  •  Rescue the Animals too

    Thanks so much for bringing this post to my attention.  We are splitting our donation among the four legged and two legged victims.

    by Cecile on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:57:51 AM PDT

  •  Also see the top of the home page of

    the Humane Society--they are sending emergency teams to the area--

    http://www.hsus.org/

    Althought there is nothing on their website, the ASPCA also has emergency teams--

    http://www.aspca.org
    

    by PoliSigh on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:10:12 AM PDT

    •  Poli

      done.  Thanks so much for helping my brain to function!!  I went into a meeting and came out to find this on the rec list - you irregulars just rule.

      by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:57:57 AM PDT

  •  Bumble

    I'll edit original diary and include your link and others I've gleaned from the thread.

    Thanks so much.

    by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:38:56 AM PDT

  •  people first

    N/C

    by glass house on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:05:27 AM PDT

    •  you send your money where you want.

      There is plenty of need to go around.  Animals are also a part of the world and its functioning.

      by PoliSigh on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:38:59 AM PDT

      •  Sorry I posted

         If I offended anyone

        by glass house on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:03:55 PM PDT

        •  some of us a just a bit crazy about

          our furkids.

          by PoliSigh on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:57:41 PM PDT

        •  Why not send to both?

          I know if I were down there and had lost a pet, I would be hysterical. I would rather go without a blanket and have someone help rescue my animals. Of course, I am completely open to the possibility that I may be nuts. : )

          by epluribus on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 04:16:54 PM PDT

  •  Thank you so much, bumblebums.

    I've donated.

    by martianchronic on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 02:52:59 PM PDT

•  Matching Funds

  Look for places who will match your funds so you can get the most bang for your philanthropic buck.

  Lowe's Home Improvement stores are one I know of for sure. (I called to verify. They will ring the donation up at the counter.)

  by Nonie3234 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:39:11 AM PDT

  •  Including your employer!

    Many companies provide matching funds for charitable giving. Please take advantage of this if it is available to you.

    Maximize your gift!

    by awnm on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:11:47 AM PDT

  •  That's really good to know.

    My mother-in-law is doing some remodelling.  I will have to tell her about this.  I'm sure she'd love to be able to help in some way.

    by tryptamine on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:53:09 AM PDT

•  ive witnessed

  ive witnessed first hand the wonderful work red cross does. We plan to make a donation tonight

  by threecents on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:39:44 AM PDT

•  Bracelet money temporarily going to Red Cross

  Just a heads-up.  Casey Bracelet money will be going to the Red Cross through the end of September.

  Please do not buy one just to give money to the Red Cross. Just give them the money directly, please, because they'll get much more of it that way.

  But if you'd been meaning to get one anyway, just know that for awhile that money will be going to the Red Cross.

  by hyperbolic pants explosion on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 09:47:12 AM PDT

•  A little something for the animals

  The dogs asked me to post this.

   American Humane Society disaster relief fund.  Woof, whine, howl.

  by emmasnacker on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:00:53 AM PDT

  •  I didn't see you had posted this already!

    I should have known!!!   ; )

    Zanzibar sends mucho kisses

    by PoliSigh on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:12:28 AM PDT

    •  Hi Poly

      Fanny smooches Zanzi. She is off getting "married", and so will have Christmas pups, we hope!

      by emmasnacker on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:09:13 AM PDT

      •  awwwww!!!!

        PLEASE send photos when she has puppies!!!!!!  I just love puppies....Like you couldn't tell..duh!!!

        by PoliSigh on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:35:56 AM PDT

        •  will do

          it will give me a chance to hone my photography skills. All the ones I took of Fan as a pup make you think it is a black ball of fur.  Awwwwww.

          by emmasnacker on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:58:13 PM PDT

          •  Zanz's breeder swears by taking

            photos of black dogs against green backgrounds.  That might help!!!  Especially good for Christmas!!!!

            by PoliSigh on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:46:31 PM PDT

•  Why is the press

  giving New Orleans stellar coverage, and keeping Mississippi in the background?

  Not only was MS hit hardest, but the people there are desperately poor.

  by bokchoy on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:15:16 AM PDT

  •  can't get there from here

    Many places in Mississippi are difficult to get to and are impossible to broadcast from.

    by Buffalo Girl on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:20:27 AM PDT

  •  The Charities Will Reach Out

    The charities mentioned above will reach communities throughout the Gulf Coast, although many of them provide that you may specify a particular region you would like to help.

    There is no question that the need will be great throughout the Gulf Coast.  

    I just heard from a client that their offices in Slidell are flooded.

    by eafredel on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:00:57 AM PDT

•  Thank you so much, Rena!

  These resources are invaluable -- and the way you've collected and presented them much appreciated. Off to donate...

  by ilona on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:16:15 AM PDT

•  I hope this isn't inappropriate

  But I was trying to think of a way to encourage raising funds for the Red Cross.  What if Kos challenged Redstate to see who could raise more money?  or if you want to open source this, set up a donation page for progressive blogs and one for conservative blogs.  

  Then create an click through icon for progressive blogs and one for conservative blogs.  So, I could put on my blog the liberal click through icon and anyone could click through and donate and it would count towards the progressive total donations to the Red Cross. And conservatives could do that with theirs.  Let the contest run for a month to see which side can raise the most.

  No matter who wins, the Red Cross wins.  Us progressives get to the satisfaction of having our community values being honored.  The conservatives get the thrill of the competition.  And hopefully we help a bunch of people.

  Maybe as a prize, every blog who signs up agrees that at the end of the month, whichever side wins, all the participants on the other side have to post a "Progressives care more!" or "Conservatives care more!" small banner on their blog for a week.

  This might be inappropriate, but it was just a suggestion.

  by AndyT on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:20:25 AM PDT

  •  who can make it happen?

    It would be really great to have a friendly bipartisan effort to call for donations. I think it's a good idea.  Not sure about the competition part of it, but it would be cool to link conservative and progressive blogs into a joint effort.  

    Who can make this happen?

    by Buffalo Girl on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:22:45 AM PDT

    •  We can.

      If I see response to my suggestion, I'll post a diary looking for volunteers to set up webpages, create graphics, contact the red cross about us setting up webpages where totals can be tallied, and (this is the hard part) contacting the freepers and issuing the challenge (assuming we make it a challenge)

      My thought was the competition would increase interest and donations.

      But it could also be construed as a game being played while people suffer and I'm not so sure that is the way to go.  Maybe simply a "political blogs help America" with people from all sides of the spectrum contributing in one place is a better idea.

      by AndyT on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:29:52 AM PDT

      •  ok

        Yeah, as long as its a FRIENDLY competition and doesn't turn into a flame-fest.

        I have no skills for this sort of thing, so I am with you in spirit.

        by Buffalo Girl on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:32:45 AM PDT

  •  Great idea!

    I don't think that's inappropriate at all.  Even though it would technically be a competition, we would really be banding together for a very good cause.  

    by tryptamine on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:43:29 AM PDT

  •  Diary that.

    Challenge Redstate in your diary and send it to them.

    -fink

    by fink on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:56:39 AM PDT

    •  diary is up

      right here.

      by AndyT on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:48:14 AM PDT

•  $25 to Red Cross

  Payday is tomorrow.  More then.

  Thanks for posting all these links.

  by RunawayRose on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:21:32 AM PDT

•  $15 to Red Cross

  There's also Citizen Corps, which gets called up to assist FEMA and the RED CROSS and local rescue operations in situations like this. I recommend people get involved with these groups in their area.

  by Buffalo Girl on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:30:59 AM PDT

•  CNN and Operation Blessing (robertsons cash cow)

  Please do not give to operation blessing. this is pat robertsons money cow. he uses it as a front for his diamond mines. DO NOT GIVE  MONEY TO OPERATION BLESSING. CNN has it on it's site as a place to give money.
  robertson should give the millions  he has mined from poor tv viewers that are pulled into his lies and faux religion.

  by lgb30856 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:31:20 AM PDT

  •  The list posted on CNN

    is suposedly the official list put out by FEMA.

    by Catte Nappe on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:10:28 AM PDT

•  The UJC link

  doesn't seem to work.

  by tryptamine on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:57:55 AM PDT

  •  The Red Cross link

    doesn't either.

    by tryptamine on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 10:58:51 AM PDT

    •  EMBARRASSING.

      Fixed - thanks.

      by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:02:53 AM PDT

      •  It happens to the best of us.

        :)

        by tryptamine on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:08:19 AM PDT

  •  Fixed UJC. Thx. (n/t)

    by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:00:58 AM PDT

    •  On The Red Cross Link

      You get a screen that points you to another link.  If you read through the message, you can point and click to the correct link.

      by eafredel on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:04:05 AM PDT

•  Politics are second under these circumstances, but

  I choose to give my funds to charities that do not discriminate.  Both the Red Cross and Salvation Army  continue to discriminate against the gay community in many of their policies, so my $100.01 donation will go to Feed the Children....

  by Voxbear on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:05:36 AM PDT

  •  You have to

    be happy with how you respond and I have no problem with that.  That's why I went looking for a variety of reputable service organizations.

    Thanks for doing that.

    by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:06:32 AM PDT

  •  The Red Cross does?

    I already started boycotting the Salvation Army a long time ago when I accidentally recieved one of their newsletters in the mail and read about their desire (and use of donation money) to convert all the "heathens" in the world.  But I thought Red Cross was alright....

    by tryptamine on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:10:30 AM PDT

    •  It's their policy on blood donations

      They won't accept blood from gay men.  I don't know whether they apply the same rule to lesbians.  I've heard this defended on public health grounds, but I think that they ought to be testing all of the blood for HIV anyway.

      by abbyv on Wed Aug 31, 2005 at 11:41:57 PM PDT

  •  I didn't know that and I am very

    disappointed in them; it is just totally unacceptable. I just gave them a big number of bucks too. I will write to them and put pressure on them to change that policy.

    by lecsmith on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:26:19 PM PDT

•  I screwed up the poll

  And I can't unscrew it!!  Sorry.  Duh.

  by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:18:28 AM PDT

•  have we heard

  from our nola kossacks at all?  whatever became of the shelter offers?

  oh, and salvation army should be at the bottom of our donation lists, due to their anti-gay policy.

  by Cedwyn on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:22:59 AM PDT

  •  Hey Ced

    I haven't heard a peep from anyone in Mississippi, Alabama OR Louisiana - I had offered to pay for a room for evacuating Kossacks and never had anyone contact me.

    You can check this page in dKosopedia for local Kossack information, but it hasn't been well maintained.

    by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:26:08 AM PDT

    •  Resource for friend/family search

      SATERN is a HAM radio team that not only helps its onsite volunteers be in touch with the national office, but they also help families find each other when a disaster wipes out all other forms of communication.
      <snip>
      We're working just as fast as we can," said Nelson about the onslaught of Katrina assistance requests. "We're calling in more help now."
      Nelson added that the website where people request family information is bogged down with all the requests, but that their staff is working quickly to improve the website's capacity.
      The request process goes like this. A family member with an inquiry can call or fill out an online request form with SATERN. That information goes to Nelson in his Atlanta office. He then logs onto his radio-internet computer, called Echolink.
      Through Echolink, Nelson is able to see which HAM radio operators are online in the areas he needs to contact to find the loved one. Nelson said if he can't find an operator in the needed area, he'll find the next closest area.
      (Article Link)
      http://www.disasternews.net/news/news.php?articleid=2794

      Satern Link (the health/welfare inquiry link is still temporarily down)
      http://www.satern.org/

      by Catte Nappe on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:16:16 PM PDT

  •  Please

    explain why my favorite charity is at the bottom of your list? I am not aware of any anti-gay policies. They help people of all kinds and sorts, they hire people of all kinds and sorts, the only place they might fall short is not wanting to pay family benefits to gay partners.

    by Catte Nappe on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:56:36 AM PDT

•  Catholic Charities

  I gave $250 to them.  

  Let's pretend we've already had the heated discussion about the politics of the Catholic Church, etc., so we don't need to rehash it in this thread, ok?

  by paxpdx on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:25:44 AM PDT

  •  Thanks Pax. :-)

    I hope/don't think/pray/beg that no one will get into a religious flame war in a relief thread.  Those guys will do and always have done good work and that was an awesome donation.

    by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:27:24 AM PDT

  •  Catholic Charities Does Excellent Work

    Catholic Charities does great work.  My views are ecumenical enough to recognize any organization that reaches out to the poor, the sick, and the elderly.  Catholic Charities does just that.

    by eafredel on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:31:05 AM PDT

    •  Even as a Catholic

      ... I am always a little (or a lot) wary of many Catholic organizations soliciting funds. I know some CC staffers, volunteer with a CC-funded group locally, and will always love the story of their upstate NY chapter letting "Boobs Not Bombs" march topless with them in a LGBT Pride festival a few years ago when BNB hadn't signed up for a place in the parade in time.

      That is 'ecumenical'. :)

      by paxpdx on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:36:54 AM PDT

•  I'm giving...so is my company

  I work for a domestic OEM automotive company (one of the big 3) in detroit...

  We have, as of this morning, a company match on donations to red cross, so I'm giving $75 right away!

  by floundericiousMI on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:25:57 AM PDT

•  Ok.

  I split my giving up.

  $100 to Feed the Children.
  $50 to Noah's Wish.
  $50 to the Humane Society.

  Tomorrow, I write a $150 check to a co-worker whose wife works for a company that matches contributions made to the Red Cross.

  by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:38:31 AM PDT

  •  I love you Rena

    for also helping the animals.  I've given to Noah's Wish too.

    by Loquatrix on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:42:18 AM PDT

    •  (((blush)))

      I have a decrepit nearly fossilized old kitty who wouldn't let me do it any other way.  ;-)

      by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:53:44 AM PDT

  •  Rena, please add my $75.00 to Feed the

    Children to the kossack total. Thanks for the various sites you provided! More donations after payday on Friday.

    The sites will be good for holiday donations as well...thanks again.

    by maggiemae on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 08:30:49 PM PDT

•  $100 to the Red Cross

  nt

  by cici414 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:38:33 AM PDT

•  I have sent $150

  between the Red Cross and Noah's Wish http://noahswish.com/ which helps animals in need.

  by Loquatrix on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:40:51 AM PDT

•  Very useful information

  Much of it direct from the scene
  http://www.disasternews.net/

  "Right now, showing up to volunteer at hurricane-stricken places is also ill-advised, said John Walker, spokesperson for Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS). "We really tell you not to just show up," he said. "They are in search-and-rescue and will be for the next several days. New Orleans has locked down until Monday, and has just escorted film crews out," he said."

  "Both Walker and Dillaber encouraged volunteers to affiliate themselves with a group - and look at needs months from now. "We're going to need people for three years," said Dillaber. "In New Orleans, they'll be needed for five years."
  Funds are needed for organizations that help people make a long-term recovery long after the response phase is over."

  by Catte Nappe on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:47:48 AM PDT

•  Urgent Action Needed

  to tell your representatives that cutting government programs that these now homeless and jobless folks will need to rely on is unconscionable.

  less help is available! $35 billion dollars in cuts have been mandated from low-income programs like medicaid, food stamps, and student loans in the fy 2006 budget that congress will consider in september. another "reconciliation" bill to be considered in september includes more than $100 billion in new tax cuts for the wealthy.

  by jillian on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:50:45 AM PDT

•  Ask your state to help

  I just sent an email (phone lines busy) to the Governor of California asking him as follows:

  Dear Governor,

  Please consider mobilizing the California National Guard to help the victims of the Katrina Hurricane.

  This morning's news is horrible.  

  Without help, thousands are going to die along the Gulf Coast.  The National Guard is trained to do this sort of rescue work and I believe you have the power to order them called up and offer their services to the Governors of Louisiana and Mississippi.

  by Janie on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 11:55:17 AM PDT

  •  GREAT

    idea.  Really great.  I'll be contacting the VA governor as soon as I click 'post'.

    by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:06:20 PM PDT

    •  My letter to VA Governor Mark Warner

      Dear Governor Warner,

      I was proud to support your candidacy for Governor of Virginia and have been thrilled with your leadership over the past years.

      PLEASE sir - consider dispatching Virginia's National Guard troops to disaster relief efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.  The scope of the devastation is heartbreaking and the three states currently most affected are so woefully depleted of Guard personnel due to the ill-conceived Iraq War that I don't know how the region will make it.  I can't bear to see people drowning, going hungry, wanting for medicine etc. in America, for God's sake.  Please send the support of Virginia and its proud residents in the form of our National Guard personnel.

      Best Regards,
      Blah blah RenaRF blah blah

      by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:11:47 PM PDT

      •  Good letter

        I like your letter.  If lots of people called or emailed their governors, maybe there will be help on the way.
        Does anyone know how you ask the media to ask the governors if they plan to call up the Guard(s) to send to the area?

        by Janie on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:25:42 PM PDT

      •  many disaster response teams are en route

        I just got back to my home just east of Pensacola, from a hotel where I evacuated four hours east of here. On the road west, I passed a huge number of vehicles constituting aid from many different states, all heading toward the disaster areas.

        I started tallying them up at one point, and here's what I passed (approx. numbers):
        *6 dozen Energy Delivery Services vehicles from North Carolina
        *2 Animal Emergency Services vehicles
        *What appeared to be the entire City of Brooksville Emergency Response Team, led by the police chief's vehicle (not sure what state this city is in)
        *About a dozen other Disaster Response Teams from various states and one from the Seventh Day Adventists
        *2 dozen tree service vehicles from Virginia
        *Pickups and flatbeds carrying generators
        *Hundreds of moving vans and U-Haul type trucks, which I finally figured must be carrying supplies, as I doubt that many people would be moving west via I-10 right now

        And when I pulled off at my exit, the gas stations in all directions as far as I could see were jammed with more emergency and tree service vehicles.
        

        by chantedor on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 03:36:03 PM PDT

        •  That is freaking

          AWESOME to read, chanedor.  I can't even remember which hurricane it was either last season or the season before - perhaps Isabel?  At any rate, it hit North Carolina.  I had been at a conference in the Outer Banks as it approached and left the day before it came ashore.  On the way home (to No. VA) I saw scads of emergency service vehicles for power, tree removal, etc.

          I hope the folks you saw got the word that 10 won't get them into New Orleans - it's all broken in spots and they can't get through!

          by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 03:41:26 PM PDT

•  $50 to the Red Cross, and more next week

  Plus I'm already scheduled to donate blood tomorrow. I'm in New York so I don't know if it will directly help NOLA.

  by magic1 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:07:13 PM PDT

•  $75

  to the Red Cross here.

  by ZAust on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:12:46 PM PDT

•  What about volunteering?

  I know that money is the first choice right now, but do you all think that volunteering would be helpful? Or just a pain in the ass?

  My situation is that my last day of work at my nonprofit is tomorrow, and then I was going on a trip to Maine with my mother before starting grad school in mid-September. I'm really wishing I could head to LA and be one more person to clear debris, hand out water, whatever. But I know that sometimes people just showing up is more of a pain than anything else....thoughts?

  by Summer F on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:19:15 PM PDT

  •  money first

    I know that when 9/11 happened here, there was an entire city of people who were dying to help out.  But unless you have some special skill, or are a trained rescue worker, you probably would just get in the way.  I think sending money is the way to go.  And maybe we should use this as a reminder to get some training before the next disaster happens.

    by magic1 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:28:18 PM PDT

  •  Hi Summer

    Several of the organizations I have listed will gladly accept volunteers.  Just poke around a bit and if you can lend your hands and mind, that would be fantastic.

    by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:12:13 PM PDT

•  Thanks for including the animals

  Thank you so much for posting this.  I worried all day yesterday about the animals that people would have to leave behind.

  I just gave the Humane Society $75 to help with their work.  Wish I could do more.
  

  by Getreal1246 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:28:48 PM PDT

•  "W" needs to speak to the nation !

  This is getting worse every hour.

  The nation needs to hear from it's leaders on what we all can do to help. This may well be the worst natural disaster on US soil and the Preisdent has not gone on live to address the nation? WTF

  This is a unfolding disaster. Worse today than yesterday.

  So many people here in SF - those that sit around me at work have no idea what the scale of the disaster is - they are clueless until I say somethng to them.

  I think the nation needs to hear from Bush and pronto.  

  by AustinSF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:30:46 PM PDT

•  my donations

  $25 to noah's wish, $25 to the red cross.  more when i get paid next week.  that was all i could afford at this time.

  also wrote a letter to guv perry asking him to dispatch what's left of our nat'l gaura to the affected states.

  by anna on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:33:26 PM PDT

  •  Money is good.

    But the letter you wrote asking your governor to take action is priceless.

    by martianchronic on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 03:35:58 PM PDT

•  Tally

  Add $50 to the diary tally, given to the Red Cross.  Here's to hoping it doesn't get too much worse.

  by aimlessmind on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:34:42 PM PDT

•  Rena--just found another animal link

  The North shore animal league is also collecting donations to  help pets:

  http://www.nsalamerica.org/ar/index.html

  GREAT group!

  by PoliSigh on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:40:40 PM PDT

  •  I will second that.

    by NYC Sophia on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 02:01:11 PM PDT

•  keeping it simple

  100 to red cross.

  by d to the f on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:46:35 PM PDT

•  Just sent my $20

  Much as I don't like to give BoA/MBNA my business these days, they can tack on interest for this one.

  I wish it could be more, but that will be for the future.

  by Linnaeus on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:48:44 PM PDT

•  Done and done.

  100 to Noah's Wish and 100 to Red Cross (My work is still deciding if they'll do matching donations, but they did during the Tsunami, so I expect they'll pitch in too)

  by knocienz on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:49:52 PM PDT

•  Count me in

  For 100 bucks to Red cross and 100 to Noah's Wish.
  

  by librarianman on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:52:59 PM PDT

•  Gave

  Red Cross, Humane Society and Noah's Wish.

  A bit more for the animals; they didn't have a choice about leaving, and some of the people who could leave couldn't take their pets. But my prayers for both animals and people.

  by barbwires on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 12:55:50 PM PDT

  •  $50.01 to Noah's Wish n/t

    by annan on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 03:18:00 PM PDT

•  Here's another $20.00

  to Noah's  Wish and $30.00 to the Red Cross.

  by Aquarius40 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:01:14 PM PDT

•  $100 to the Red Cross

  n/m

  by txredd on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:09:01 PM PDT

•  PRESS CONFERENCE ON NOW...1 p.m. PDT

  http://www.wwltv.com/

  Statement is the devastation is as bad as the Tsunami...

  by Barbara on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:09:38 PM PDT

  •  Thank Goodness

    They are finally covering this on CNN.  Did you SEE the Twinspan to New Orleans??  Holy shit.

    I hope they focus so clearly right now on saving lives and stopping the flooding and THEN rebuilding issues.

    I'm so grateful to you all for responding.

    by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:14:23 PM PDT

•  comments about the money being removed from NO

  It appears that the money has been moved in the president's budget to handle homeland security and the war in Iraq, and I suppose that's the price we pay. Nobody locally is happy that the levees can't be finished, and we are doing everything we can to make the case that this is a security issue for us.

  -- Walter Maestri, emergency management chief for Jefferson Parish, Louisiana; New Orleans Times-Picayune, June 8, 2004.

  by drummer55 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:10:41 PM PDT

•  Donation Made

  And prayer said.

  Kossacks for America.

  by Five of Diamonds on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:16:42 PM PDT

•  $25 to the Red Cross

  Will give more later this week, after payday. And in the coming months too.

  I know this is a long way off, but once New Orleans gets back on its feet--and I do believe it will--I'm going to start patronizing some of the great NO bookstores through the mail. Why give money to Amazon, when I can help some small business owners rebuild their livelihoods by indulging my biblio-obsession?

  by orchid314 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:23:07 PM PDT

•  $100 to

  Noah's Wish.  I wonder if groups like Habitat and Rebuilding Together will be getting involved.  

  As with the tsunami relief, we'll need to remember to support the rebuilding aftermath, too.

  Please check Charitynavigator.org if you want to see how one group stacks up financially/organizationally.

  by Silverleaf on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:23:15 PM PDT

  •  Me too -

    Noah's Wish. and emailed my friends asking them to do the same to any organization.

    by michele2 on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 05:15:17 PM PDT

•  To Do *Direct* Donation to Mobile

  
   I just got off the phone with a couple of very nice, and very frazzled people at the Gulf Coast (read:  Mobile) Chapter of the Red Cross.  They're just trying to do 'first response' stuff right now.  

   They say to donate DIRECTLY to Mobile Area Red Cross relief send a check to:

  Red Cross
  Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter
  Post Office Box 1764
  Mobile, AL  36601

   Do NOT earmark it "Hurricane Relief" or "Katrina" if you want your gift to stay in Mobile:  checks earmarked thusly will be sent from the Gulf Coast Chapter back to "National HQ", which, I'm sure is fine, too, I'm just saying. . .

   $5.00.  $10.00.  $25.00.  $50.00.  more . . .  It adds up.

   Cross-posting on David Boyle's Diary, below.  Roll Tide, indeed.

   BenGoshi
  ______

  . . . religion is not a syllogism, but a poem. H.L.

  by BenGoshi on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:26:21 PM PDT

  •  South Baldwin County United Way

    is another local organization, to which I donated after Ivan.  http://www.southbaldwinunitedway.org/ is the website, which is out-of-date, but gives contact info.

    thanks, BG!

    by Silverleaf on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:42:24 PM PDT

•  Red Cross

  Does anyone else have a problem with the Red Cross having been run for some years by Elizabeth Dole? Is the leadership still as lacking in morality as that woman?

  What is the best option in terms of donating in a way that won't be tainted by bad religion or bad politics?

  by wytcld on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:29:21 PM PDT

  •  well........

    they spend an awful lot on themselves--the head gets $450K a year--and that was a few years ago.  Administrative expenses are very high for them.  It really bothers me that they charge hospitals for the blood we donate!  And they did not make it clear that al the money donated for 9/11 did not go to victims of 9/11.  They set some of it aside for other disasters/uses.

    Despite the problems we have with the Salvation Army--their administrative costs are almost non-existent--they have a very good record of getting help to those who need it.

    by PoliSigh on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:56:17 PM PDT

    •  here's what

      Charity Navigator, a ranking group that I respect, has to offer re the Red Cross -- and as I recall, the head of the Red Cross at 9/11 had to step down afterwards.  http://charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/search.summary/orgid/3277.htm

      by Silverleaf on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 02:00:52 PM PDT

      •  Thanks for the link

        That's a great resource that I never knew existed!

        by hoodooguru on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 02:06:38 PM PDT

        •  my pleasure

          I recommend it whenever I get the chance --

          by Silverleaf on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 03:02:55 PM PDT

    •  I don't know how you feel about a religious group

      BUT Episcopal Relief and Development is very well respected and said to be quite efficient.

      A repost from above:

      ERD will let you designate your donation as being for Katrina disaster relief.

      Go to Episcopal Relief and Development  They are very good about sticking with projects long term and are focused on housing the poor right now.  Their main efforts at this moment are aimed at Mississipi.

      by abbyv on Wed Aug 31, 2005 at 11:50:38 PM PDT

  •  Good questions

    And I see some of the replies to your comment give resources.  I also gave a link to Give.org, the BBB's rating/evaluation service.  Hopefully you can find something that you're comfortable supporting.

    Best... RenaRF

    by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 02:04:59 PM PDT

•  Bay St Louis MS

  Does anyone have a link to any information about Bay St Louis, MS?

  by rockdart on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 01:43:18 PM PDT

  •  I found this on CNN:

    I can't tell you we were shocked at what we saw, but very saddened. This old town, lots of antique shops, lots of stores, beds and breakfasts, everything completely destroyed.

    We talked to a woman who decided not to leave her bed and breakfast because it survived Hurricane Camille. It did not survive this time. The house was destroyed while she was in it.

    She and six other people got out and waited in a tree as waves were coming up to them They waited three hours in the tree, terrorized. The water finally let down and they survived.

    I can't say for certain but it appears it was posted at 2:20pm ET today by CNN correspondent Gary Tuchman.

    by RenaRF on Tue Aug 30, 2005 at 02:11:34 PM PDT

  •  Looked Very Bad on TV

    Anderson