Devastation, thy name is Katrina
Sep 1st, 2005 by Accidental Thinker
Everyone is talking about Katrina this week, and Katrina is weighing heavily on my mind. It breaks my heart to watch the footage on TV. It’s just something about the fact that entire communities are obliterated, and a great city with its own unique cultural history will never be the same. This has kept me largely away from my blog, but I wanted to remind people to do what you can to help, if you are so inclined. The Red Cross (1-800-HELP NOW) is equipped to handle a relief effort of this scale and a good place to start. I’ve already made my donation. Probably the first of many. There are other worthy organizations accepting donations to help too. You can find a list on the FEMA website. And please say some prayers, if that’s your thing. There are many, many people who need them, and will continue to need them for a long time to come.
Isn’t it sad that it takes a tragedy like this to bring out the humanitarian in us? I know I’m guilty. 9/11, the tsunamis, etc.—I’m right there contributing along with everyone else. But what about all the times in between? Obviously we can’t all respond to every need, but the needs are still there, on a smaller scale. Why not pick a worthy cause and do what you can, on an ongoing basis?
The cause Kent and I are newly committed to is supporting our troops overseas. We’ve thought about this for a while, but a story from Chevy Rose inspired me to take action. It also occurred to me that with all eyes on the destruction of Katrina, our troops in harm’s way would be more likely than normal to be forgotten. Any Soldier Inc. identifies individuals from all branches of the military who are in need of moral support from those of us at home. We plan to pick a couple each month to send care packages to. It’s a little more work than just writing a check, but I like the personal aspect of putting together care packages with items that we’ve picked out, and it lets me enlist my kids to help. Maia wrote some beautiful notes to the soldiers to enclose in the packages we have already sent, and I know she won’t let us forget our monthly timetable!
Nice post. I have contacted someone after a friend sent me a notice
from her church about working on a FEMA tarping crew. They called me
back tonight and are sending me a packet to look at. I’m seriously
considering doing this. It could be a four month project they said.Everyone does what they can do, and this is something I can do.
Good for you!If we all do our part to help in ways we can, our little bit here and there will make a big difference.Thanks for a lovely post.
You’re a grand lass Monique.
Yes, we all have to help now. But wouldn’t it be nice if our government
stepped up and did the right thing? Something like sending in troops a little faster next time, and air lifting in food and water? Like that.