Katrina relief: Where Should our Donatio ns Go?

“Some of my friends, including some TT'ers, are helping directly with relief efforts in the aftermath of Katrina or have made plans to do so. Personally, I'm unlikely to be in a position to do that over the next few months - unless there is something involving refugees who have come to my area. What I can and will do is donate money (especially after my first Fall teaching paychecks come in).

So my question is where are some good places to put money? I figure other's are wondering the same thing. I'm thinking of all the phases of help: 1) Immediate rescue, 2) Care and intermediate term settlement of refugees, and 3) Long Term Rebuilding. I'd welcome all constructive ideas.”

“Jesus H. Krist Ped! Don't we have enough damn threads about this damn subject?”

“I prefer to make a direct donation of whatever, but if Stovey doesn't want/need it, I'll be looking for a place to put some money.”

“Nigal: I thought I would stay off the Fuego and talk about constructive places to put money. Is there another thread to discuss worthy charities?

(BTW: What does the "H" stand for?)
last edited: 9/07/05 11:32:33 AM”

“Hoover.”

“I wondered what Nige was talking about - maybe I'll have to check out fuego...”

“OK then. I'f you'd said Humbert or Horatio I would have called you a Blasphemer.”

“ped - I started a thread last week that has a link to the redcross donation page.”

“I remember. That was helpful, as was AMyG's thread with the reminder to think about employer's matching donation programs.
I'm wondering about additional alternatives. Perhaps the Red Cross is the very best choice, because such a high percentage of the money goes directly to assistance - but I'm looking to see what the alternatives are and maybe what the strengths of each group is. For example when I think of the Red Cross, I think of the immediate rescue efforts. When I think of Habitat for Humanity, I think of longer term building new homes. I could be wrong, but I figure for the next few weeks the immediate rescue and stabilization is most important. In 4 months or so, the rebuilding may be the most important.”

“Remember 9/11? Was it the Red Cross that took money for 9/11 and put it to other causes? People were outraged and it caused quite a furer that people who donated and celebrities that raised funds for the Red Cross did not see their money go to 9/11 victims. I hate to say the wrong thing, but I think it was the Red Cross or was it another organization?

Bill O'Reilly actually got into a thing with some celebrities that they raised money, but never bothered to make sure it went to the 9/11 victims. There was a huge fundraiser/telethon on tv, so O'Reilly felt the celebrities also let the viewers get duped since they didn't bother to make sure the money they said they wanted from fans and viewers went to where they said it would.”

“I remember that dust up. There was a special fund, "The Liberty Fund" which the Red Cross set up for 9/11 victims. Here is what one article I found said, discussing the Red Cross's liberty fund and another 9/11 fund called the September 11 fund (organized in part by United Way):

"WHAT DO DONORS WANT DONE?

According to Barbara Bryan, president of the New York Regional Association of Grantmakers, many charities were "overcome by the size of the generosity and by the size of the need, and all the different levels of need." At the end of October 2001, the Red Cross announced it had collected more than enough to meet the needs of the victims -- so much more that its Liberty Fund could start underwriting some of the agency's more routine costs for services to American troops on active duty; community outreach to encourage neutrality, unity and tolerance; and telecommunications equipment, computer systems and accounting services. It also intended to set aside about half of the Liberty Fund for future needs of the WTC victims or for victims of future terrorist attacks.

This plan made the Red Cross the target of a growing sense of frustration and distrust among donors, victims' families and Ground Zero workers. Chief Executive Bernadine Healy was forced to resign; the organization was questioned by the United States Congress. The Red Cross had to revise its plan, promising to give out about half of the Liberty Fund by the first anniversary of the World Trade Center attack.

The September 11th Fund chose a different route. It conducted surveys of the general public in October and November of 2001, polling both donors and non-donors to September 11-related charities. The results supported the fund's decisions to expand services to the broad range of victims described above, and to provide a variety of short-term and long-term services in addition to cash assistance.

UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS OF CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION METHODS

Even with public opinion polls, it is not possible to aid disaster victims in a way that pleases everyone. Each method of dividing up disaster relief funds reflects a conviction about what makes a good society; the subject stirs up almost as much passion as the idea of the World Trade Center disaster itself.

Distributing charitable aid based on financial need implies that charity should even out economic differences between recipients. Giving equal shares to all implies that charity does not have to take into account the different situations of recipients before the event that created their shared need. Giving charitable aid in proportion to the recipient's economic loss implies that charity should honor victims' property rights by preserving the existing hierarchy of wealth. Using non-monetary aid to compensate victims for emotional losses suggests that such suffering cannot be measured and is best addressed symbolically. Basing levels of aid on the victim's value to society implies that charity's purpose is to benefit society as a whole. And leaving the decision of how to use donations up to the donor means that their right to control their money trumps the greater experience of charitable professionals in determining the best use of assistance.

Barbara Bryan believes that charities will have to change in response to the disputes over disaster relief for the victims of September 11. "You have to be very clear about what you're asking for, " she says, but she is not sure of the specific steps that will have to be taken. "People are still trying to take lessons from all of this."

http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/20020901/15/651”

“Good question, Ped...one I never could easily answer for myself, which is why I usually get personally involved with a group before endorsing them.

If you feel uneasy about giving money to groups, why not donate supplies? Here's a generic list of items that almost any shelter can use-

• Towels & Wash Cloths
• Baby Needs
• Diapers
• Baby food
• Bottled Water
• Combs & Hair brushes
• Cots & Pillows
• Bed Linens
• Over the Counter Medications
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Toothbrushes
• Shaving cream & Razors
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Feminine Hygiene Products

Red Cross is pretty much only taking money right now, but other groups are collecting items to be sent down there. You can do it yourself too, if you get in touch with a group on the recieving end of things...Houston, for example. I've got a collection box in my company store, where employees are buying extra OTC drugs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. Other group members are doing the same thing and, once we get a trailer load, the supplies will be trucked through my CAP sqadron. This idea can be applied to almost any group - hell, even the local PTA can start a school project.

There are many ways to get involved, besides cash...but cash works too. Just know who you're giving what to.”

“The Red Cross in my opinion.

Yes, they will redirect donations, but they have the judgement. They often tell us that it is impossible to donate blankets, et c. unless you can get them to a distributor (logistics) and so they prefer cash donations which gives them the maximum on the spot flexibility.

I believe a lot of the civilian stuff going south from here will be managed by the RC - governments trust them.”

“I just put in a request to my boss to do a three-week volunteer gig with the Red Cross in the disaster zone. I guess they do a one-day crash training course and send you off to where you're needed over there. Since much of the time would be unpaid leave (which is harder to get approved around here), I'm really hoping to get the nod from my boss. I think they'll be needing people for quite a long time.”

“This is where I have been helping out:

http://www.copperfieldchurch.org/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=642”

“Thanks ChcukD - I understand you've been doing a lot to help out in Houston, where a great number of refugees have gone.

Are there things you need there?”

“Things are going pretty well from a volunteer stand point, right now we have plenty of people, donations have been outstanding. We are working on getting the kids inpt school, jobs for those who want them etc.

Ou biggest fear is that attention span of the general population will be diverted and these people forgotten long before they can go (or find new) homes.”

“I am trying to get some people together down there and drive down there myself. If anyone lives near SC and wants to help out for a long weekend or so lemme know.”

“Ped- I always look for someone I know or someone who knows a person directly at the scene, then I know where the money or supplies go. Like Chuck's Copperfield Church. My church just sent a crew of people today and a tractor trailer full of bottled water and food items.

I collected food and household supplies for Ivan and delivered them directly to people I knew in the region. Some of my family lost all or part of their homes, so I really got into the emotion and the hands on cleanup for that one.
Serving as support here for this one.

Trek Lightly. http://www.mytrekkingpoles.com”

“The red cross doesn't redirrect donations anymore. They collect for a speciffic disaster and announce when their needs are met now (since the 9/11 business).”

“If you want something more tangible than sending off $$$ to some organization, check in your area. Just learned that about 500+ people are being relocated into the west/southwest here. People are gearing up to help them. It may be local, but has much larger implications if locals have some interaction with the people who have been relocated.”

“The Red Cross really shook things up in the world of donations. In one way it was good in another way it was bad. I think people are leary now about where their donations are going no matter what source they use to donate, but then again, people should be looking more closely and taking a look at what percentage goes to administration and what goes directly to whatever the cause is. Some groups have a very high cost to maintain their organization and others don't.

Then, of course, there are those groups that are totally phony.”

“About the Red Cross, they were totally in the wrong. People who donated money and celebrities that raised money thought it was going to 9/11 victims. They perpetuated a huge scam. I don't know how they thought they could get away with diverting funds.

I knew a lady who gave a chihuahua fundraiser based on this one dog mostly that needed a wheelchair. Well, people thought they were donating to a non profit org and she did not have non profit status. I think she finally got it when I called her on it, but she kept the dog that got the wheelchair, so she raised money for her own dog! I suppose maybe no one else would have adopted a dog in a wheelchair (maybe), but she had no right to portray the dog as needing a chair and being up for adoption when she was keeping him. If she wanted to keep him, she should have paid a fee to her own organization like everyone else does that adopts a rescue dog.
last edited: 9/08/05 12:13:24 AM”

“I am only into this thing for about $200 bucks, I don't think I will send another dime or sack of beans.

Kayne West, Jessie Jackson playing the race card is too much for me. Why do we allow these people to perpetuate racism? They need racism, they make their livelyhood based upon racism. If racism died these clowns would be out of a job. Where was Jackson on Day 1? Why wasn't he at the Astrodome helping? Why did he take so long?”

“Why focus on the one instance of being wrong when the Red Cross has done more to help disaster victims than any other two organizations put together?! Why focus on the (probably one and only) negative there is about the organization? They've taken steps to change the way donatioons work so that it never ever happens again.”

“Avoiding con artists

Though the devastation has evoked compassion from most Americans, some are preying on the public's good will by setting up Web site scams, federal authorities say. FEMA provides a guide to giving wisely with a check-list of precautions, as well as information on verifying a charity's status.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/computersecurity/2005-09-01-katrina-cyberscams_x.htm

http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96136,00.html”

“Sass, I was unaware that the Red Cross fixed their problems, otherwise it is a focus also to other people that may not know that either and not want to give money to them. What they did for 9/11 was terrible beyond words.

The focus is not necessarily on the Red Cross, but on which organizations really help the most and give most of the money to help.

They need to get the word out that they are reliable now to accept donations, and that they will get donations to where the donators want them to end up. I would also like to know their "overhead" and what percentage goes to victims from donations if you give to the Red Cross before I gave a dime to them or any organization.”

“Here is a list from FEMA:

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18473

At this point, my money is going to the Red Cross.

A city near me is rehabbing 100 vacant public housing units for storm victims and have appealed for stoves and refrigerators. Perhaps similar needs exist in your area.”

“The only thing I've heard about that is arriving WA state are dogs that have no homes which is also a worthy cause in helping them.

I heard on the news that some people did not want to leave their homes, so they could stay with their dogs.”

“FYI: to the hikers in Michigan,

there are some people coming to the Lansing Area....

St. Vincents has asked for the following donations:”

“FYI: to the hikers in Michigan,

there are some people coming to the Lansing Area....

St. Vincents has asked for the following donations:

If you would like to help, but didn’t know how please see below.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Fw: HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF
Importance: High







HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF

At a press conference later today, it will be announced that St. Vincent Catholic Charities has been asked to lead the resettlement effort for Golf Coast Evacuees to Lansing. This is a huge undertaking that will be lead by Peggy Roberts, Vice President Operations and Mary Flores, Resettlement Director.

Hundreds of displaced persons from Hurricane Katrina are making their way to Lansing. In a city-wide effort, safe housing is being provided to all persons and donations are needed to assist. Donations as listed below can be delivered to St. Vincent Catholic Charities, 2800 W. Willow, Lansing, between the hours of 8:00am and 6:00pm, Monday -Friday. For more information, call 323-4734 ext. 1419. All items must be in good, clean condition.

Remember, all donations are tax-deductible.



We can accept:





Furniture (new/gently used)

Mattresses (twin, full, queen)

Box Springs (twin, full, queen)

Bed Frames (twin, full, queen)

Sofas or Loveseats

Armchairs

Kitchen/Dinette Chairs

Kitchen/Dining Tables

Card tables

Coffee/End Tables

Dressers/Nightstands

Desks (with drawers)

Shelving Units

Entertainment Centers

Cribs/Bassinets (compliant with current safety standards) with mattress



Kitchen Items (new/used)

Pots and Pans

Baking Pans/Sheets

Stockpots

Plates/Saucers

Glasses/Mugs

Cereal/Serving/Mixing Bowls

Silverware/Sharp Knives

Serving Utensils

Measuring Cups/Spoons

Tupperware

Can Openers



Personal Hygiene (new)

Laundry Detergent

Dish Soap

Bar Soap

Disposable Razors

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Band Aids

Shampoo

Deodorant

Combs/Brushes

Toilet Paper

Sanitary Pads



Cleaning Supplies (new)

Bathroom/Kitchen Cleanser

Window Cleaner

Bleach

Sponges

Toilet Brush

Bucket/Pail

Mop/Broom/Dustpan

Paper Towels

Trash Bags (standard and Lansing)



Linen (new/gently used)

Sheet Sets (twin, full, queen)

Blankets/Bedspreads

Pillows (new)

Bath/Hand Towels/Washcloths

Kitchen Towels/Pot Holders

Tablecloths

Curtains



Misc. Household (new/used)
Wastebaskets

Light Bulbs

Shower Curtains

Shower Rings

Kitchen Matches

Writing/Drawing Paper

Pens/Pencils/Markers/Crayons



Small Appliances (new/used)
Telephone (corded or cordless)

Alarm Clock

Radio

Television

Microwave

Coffeemaker/Coffee Pot

Tea Kettle

Toaster

Crock Pot

Rice Cooker

Blender

Fan

Lamps (table or floor)

Vacuum/Sweeper



Baby/Children's Items
Disposable Diapers (new)

Baby Wipes (new)

Baby Bottles

Baby Soap (new)

Baby Blankets

Cribs (newer) with mattress

Stroller/Car Seat

Baby/Children's Toys

Children's Books





We cannot accept:

1. Sofa beds, futons, king-size beds, waterbeds, or bicycles.

2. Large appliances, including stoves, refrigerators, freezers, washers, or dryers.

3. Clothing





Cash donations are also needed. Make checks payable to: St. Vincent Catholic Charities/ Katrina Relief.



Volunteers are needed immediately; please call 323-4734 ext. 1204



Please forward this e-mail to everyone you know.



St. Vincent Catholic Charities expresses its deepest gratitude to you, in advance, as you give of your time, talent, and treasure in assisting us provide help and create hope to those in need .”

“Also, I'm going to have a little gathering on September 24th to do a clothing drive... (I've contacted St. Vincents and they are able to receive clothing in the Detroit area.)

Please see the Michigan Hikers Thread and drop me an email if you're interested! :-)”

“Well looky here...


http://home.knology.net/news/read.php?ps=1011&id=14560224&_LT=HOME_LARSDCCLM_UNEWS

Church in Memphis Tn gives a house free and clear and the "refugees" sell it and run”

“sad”

“Sorry a$$ New Orleans trash.”

“Reason Magazine has a great artical in it this month about the grassroots (such a worn out word, really) charitable organizations and how much better they served the people than the bloated governmental funded agencies.”

“You know the worst part is they may not even be refugees.

I would love to see cases where people take advantage of charities that we could make a PHOTO list like the Sexual Offender list so everyone would KNOW they were ripoff artists.

8 years ago we had a woman in Public Housing on the Full government ride (roughly 24 K a year gross) go to the various churches crying she couldn't afford Christmas for her kids.
Becuase I also handle nebulous complaints I got the case, and the slew of insulting degrading comments from various "Reverends" in the community.

Well CRIMMIS day comes, there is a nice feel good shot of her getting her Santa stuff from the churches....then a week later I get a call from a local pawn shop. She had taken the video games, high dollar shoes heck even the kids clothing still in boxes to pawn for some money. The guy told me where she had headed (anyone want to guess what she was buying?)

I have just seen too many enablers get burned too dang many times.”

“Hell, they sound like real entreprenuers!!

Greed is good?”

“ROTFLAMO!

Your government at work CARING for people


http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/National/Katrina_Fraud.html”

“whats your point?”

“so sad...there are folks down here still with a concrete slab and a fema trailer...”