Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts, What Can YOU Do To Help?
Aug 31 '05 (Updated Sep 02 '05)
The Bottom Line You can help relief victims too!
As most of you know I live in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area where all the unfortunate people of New Orleans are being transferred to for shelter. I work at LSU where facilities have been turned into a Triage Center and also a shelter on campus for those with special needs. Faculty and Staff were instructed to report to work today. Classes have been canceled until September 6th.
I had to detour coming to work today because the Baton Rouge Centroplex has also been turned into a shelter. All the shelters at local schools were moved here so our children can get back into school. We are still waiting for electricity to be restored in some but hope that school may resume by the end of the week or next week. The roads were blocked downtown to keep traffic away from the shelter. I could see many wandering in the streets.
Upon entering campus on the East side I noticed several semi trucks, big trailers, motorhomes and RV's. Most were filled with medical supplies and relief items for those in the shelter. As the day has gone by I've watched numerous ambulances and EMS units go by my window bringing victims to these facilities.
Everyone is in a daze here. This is all like a bad dream. The people in shelters here came with the clothes on their backs. Many don't know if their home is still standing. Many will not have jobs to go home to. These people are in need of clothing, toiletries, medication, blankets, pillows and shoes to name the bare essentials.
People in the Baton Rouge area have been donating food, clothing and daily essentials to the shelters. We have several drop-off locations that are coordinating with the Red Cross so that supplies can go to where they are most needed. I was pleased to see that the Graduate Students here have secured the use of a conference room to gather supplies for the shelter here on campus. Every little bit helps.
I've heard many friends out of state say they would love to help. It's not really feasible to mail care packages, but you can still donate to the American Red Cross. To help the many thousands of people left homeless visit http://www.redcross.org/ You can make a donation online or by calling 1-800-HELP NOW.
Another way to donate if you are a Bonus Mail member, you can donate points to the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund. Check your account balance on their homepage for details!
These people have nothing now and will be in shelters for weeks, maybe months. Won't you open up your heart and help these people? After all, they are OUR people, United States citizens.
© 2005 Birdfeather
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