I know there is the one diary a day maximum. As someone that spent yesterday sorting for two truckloads of clothing, diapers, toiletries, food and water that went to Baton Rouge this morning, I have one suggestion and one donation request.
The donation request is for Austin Free Net, an organization providing computers, printers and networks for Katrina victims in the Austin area. The suggestion and more about this organization after the fold.
The suggestion is that all people
"pre sort" by size and sex all clothing donated, and everyone pre sort toiletries by type in plastic ziplocks. Also, please do NOT donate items that are trash worthy...heavily stained, torn, and moldy clothes are thrown away, and it is very difficult to find location to throw away items and it takes away from the relief effort.
That will help the relief workers a lot.
Second, if you do not want to give to the Red Cross (I've heard some people with serious issues with the red cross but want to help), I know of an organization that needs your donations. I've worked with this organization for a few years, even taught a few computer courses to the poor and elderly, and they are a "true Blue" organization located in the Blue area near Austin. They teach and train the poor and elderly how to use computers, and exist totally from donations.
The Organization is Austin Free Net. You can visit their site at http://www.austinfree.net. The donation site is above the fold, and they accept Paypal.
As you may know, 5,000 Katrina victims are in shelters in Austin, and they are desperately trying to find relatives and let other relatives know they are ok...A lot of this is done by the internet...but many folks don't know how to use the internet or computers, particularly the elderly. Austin Free Net is coordinating volunteers and buying/receiving donations and setting up computer equipment/networks, as well as brief training and assistance to the victims.
Please consider giving to this Blue organization...they are out there right now helping the survivors and they need the computer/internet community's support. I've given $150.01 today, and I'd like to see some $20.01 donations. Please remember to post here if you have helped so I can give you some MOJO...
Thank you, everyone in the blogosphere, in advance for helping this organization do great work.