August 30, 2005
Hurricane Relief: Where to Donate
Witnessing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi, many Gothamist readers have asked what they can do to help. The most important thing for many of the Gulf Coast's residents right now is basic services: clean water, food, and medicine, all of which costs money.
If you choose to make a donation to help with the relief efforts, Gothamist urges you to give to the American Red Cross. (Donation form here.)
Just as we advised following last year's tsunami, be wary of unsolicited e-mails or phone calls asking for donations. Do your homework and only donate to known, reputable organizations. As with any tragedy, there are always those seeking to profit from the misfortune of others.
MSNBC.com has a more complete list of agencies offering emergency relief.
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CNN added this list:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/08/30/help.agencies/index.html
I would like to mention that the Red Cross has a history of not using the money for the cause people think they are donating money towards. And if memory serves me correct, they also don't recognize Israel's right to exist. There are much better organizations to give your hard earned money.
Ditto Product Shop NYC's statements. I really am dubious of the Red Cross and the way they manage funds. I used to dismiss claims against them before 9-11, but after 9-11 when it was revealed that most of the funds did not go towards 9-11 relief, that was it.
Seriously donate with your heart, but do make sure you donate to a place that will use your money wisely and not hide their intentions.
If you do decide to donate to the Red Cross, make sure you clarify that it's for Katrina relief (write it on the check), otherwise the money goes into their general operating fund. I've worked with them before, totally sketchy organization.
On the website, you can specify that your donation is for Hurricane 2005 relief.
Just an aside from a friend of Gothamist: A friend sent me a link to the site: www.1900storm.com, about the big hurricane that destroyed galveston and the subsequent rebuilding of the city in which every building was raised 17 feet. just something positive to familiarize ourselves with and hopefully turn on any journalists/media folks that may be checking out this site to.
My Step mother Suggested That with all of the National Parks around, that the people that lost their homes due to Hurricane Katrina would be better off if they camped at the camp grounds. Most of the Camp grounds have shovers and tolites. They would be able to go out side instead of being stuck in doors. This was the Suggestion of Teresa Daniels and Christina Daniels. Hoping to make a difference.
My Step mother Suggested That with all of the National Parks around, that the people that lost their homes due to Hurricane Katrina would be better off if they camped at the camp grounds. Most of the Camp grounds have showers and tolites. They would be able to go out side instead of being stuck in doors. This was the Suggestion of Teresa Daniels and Christina Daniels. Hoping to make a difference.
Product Shop,
I think you're getting confused with the International Red Cross, which is not affiliated with the American Red Cross. At present time the IRC refuses to acknowledge Israel's official relief/rescue operation, the Magen David Adom, although it does accept the Red Crescent (the relief organization of Islamic countries) and yes, it's political. (On a side note, this doesn't stop Israel from rushing to help any country in need that will accept its help; they did an admirable job in Sri Lanka after the Tsunami.)
Not that the American Red Cross doesn't have its own share of problems, but I just wanted to clear that up.
My thoughts and prayers to the people of New Orleans.