Poll - what have you contributed, if anything to help Gulf States?

[DVCconvert]

Have DVC member's shed some cash to help those in the Gulf States Region?

[doubletrouble_vb]

You need another option... No -- but I plan to.

[J and R's mom]

My husband and I live near the Houston area so we went out and bought ALOT of items today (diapers, wipes, baby formula, cereal bars, peanut butter, plastic utensils, pudding snacks, chocolate bars, instant oatmeal packets, baby bottles, pacifiers, and some of our extra baby clothes and toys and books, an air matress and sheets and a few more things I can't think of right now). I spoke directly to one shelter that requested some specific items above and the rest will be going to the Houston Food Bank. It seems like such a SMALL drop in the bucket, though.

[mikey13v]

I just recieved a raise this month, and I'm donating that raise amount to my union (International Assn. of Fire Fighters) disaster relief fund. This money is used to support the firefighters, emts, and paramedics that have had losses in the disaster, so that they may continue to serve others. Our department may also be sending a team to help with the relief.
I am also donating to the red cross.

[athenna]

I donated to the Red Cross and my company is taking up a collection to send to them as well.

[wtpclc]

I dontaed to a local charity that has laready taken 3 truckloads down to the Gulf cost. It is wonderful to see how many people are doing everything they can to help.

[trampslady]

I gave blood on Tuesday and plan to donate to our local food bank as many folks are apparently making their way to Dallas.

[lllovell]

I haven't done anything yet. I am waiting to see how my loved ones that are right outside New Orleans fare in the next week or two. They have phone service here and there, but no power yet, but I do know that they banked in a local New Orleans bank. So, I might need to save my "cash" to help someone I know directly.

If it turns out they don't need my help, then I will divert those funds to the Red Cross. Things seem to be having a hard time getting off the ground there in New Orleans help wise, but I am glad to see residents in other areas ARE being helped. Baby steps.

[patsal]

Have donated $$, will be donating clothing (contacted by charity to have on porch for pu on Monday)and food/more $$.

[spiceycat]

work has given $75,000 to the Red cross - I know a drop in a extra large bucket.

they are also helping the local red cross get stuff for their refugees at the civic center here.

the schools are starting to take in the children.

lots of the people here (birmingham, al) are saying they want to find jobs here and stay - they don't think they want to move back to New orleans.

I think that is just shock and pain and who could possible blame them.

but in the next several years when New orleans is back they might change their minds.

I know Ala national guards left on Tuesday. they were overseas a week before - and we were still send. maybe because the government (despite what it says) was expecting this. They had seem in the middle east and it shouldn't be such a shock of them. but I am sorry no matter how battle ready you are - this is worst. this is our country. I think they are supply unit. Which should help matters.

[lllovell]

It is good to hear stories of actual action. I know there is a LOT going on behind the scenes that we can't see so the show of real action is going to go a long way towards making people understand that help really IS coming.

Those poor people can't even see what we can, can't even hear what we can about the buses that are lined up and coming in today, about the National Guard units from all over the south or the ships that are sailing in. They have set up a couple of major shelters here in Atlanta, but I haven't seen reports since then about how full they already are from people that drove out before the storm. I know we aren't "close", but I do hope people will be able to find that immediate shelter soon. (also, it is a good place for people to start applying for FEMA help if they are in official shelters, etc. It takes forever as it is I am sure).

[scootert]

We've sent $$ to red cross. Also finishing/sending 5 quilts to an organization that will send them on to the shelters -- anything to make those shelters more humane

[sheryl0521]

My company donated $250K and increased their employee charity donation match to 2 for 1. We donated $100 to the Red Cross and I just filled out the online form for the match to make it a total $300 donation.

[Rash]

I'm sure your intentions were innocent, but I don't see the value in asking others how much they gave. Does it matter? Charity is selfless. ALL charity is good and appreciated, regardless of the amount. Someone who gives a dollar is no less virtuous than someone who gives 10,000. These kind of comparisons only serve to create shame and guilt in those who gave very little or couldn't afford to give anything.

If your intention was to encourage people to give, then a simple yes or no answer to "Have you donated?" would be effective. If your intentions were just out of curiosity, then, with all due respect, it's really no one's concern but mine how much I gave.

Not trying to flame you, just wanted to express my opinion.

[kathleena]

I donate monthly to the Red Cross along with my other charitable donations - regardless of if there is a hurricane or not. My belief is that donations are not just for times of crisis - they should be a part of life.

Also, note that the hurricane donations to the RC are for general 2005 hurricane relief - not just Gulf Coast or Katrina.

I didn't vote as I think all earnings, donations etc are private matter and you didn't give an option to just vote without disclosing amounts.

[OneMoreTry]

Two of DWs uncles' houses are underwater in Pass Christian, MS. Another lost part of a roof. Another evacuated New Orleans and will be homeless for a long time -- he and his wife are elderly and staying with her parents in Memphis. His house is across the river from downtown so it may not be flooded.

Anyway, I think our aid dollars will be going to family. They are poor and I'm not sure they have hurricane/flood insurance. If they don't need the money I will donate elsewhere.

[nono]

Flawed poll on 2 more counts --

1. What if a person donated between 501 and 999 dollars?
2. What if someone did not donate but does not feel "...it stinks, but the hurricane is their problem."

I voted anyway. :p

[Shellybird]

Thanks to those of you who are helping/donating to help Katrina victims. I live in central Miss. and finally have power back. The grocery stores are out of milk, bread, meat, eggs. No gas. A neighbor who is a dr. at the state psychiatric hospital where counties south of here evac'ed their patients had to siphon gas from a co-worker just to get home yesterday. (He's a DVCer, too.) But we all understand we're the lucky ones. I'm working at a RC shelter and we all are coming to the realization that the folks in our shelter aren't just refugees now, they are likely our new neighbors. Trying to get their kids registered for school and stuff. People are offering jobs to those in shelters now. No school right now until the gas situation resolves. We're hopeful these supply issues are temporary, at least for the essential emergency folks.

I'm sorry OneMoreTry for your relatives' tragedies. Pass Christian was a beautiful little community and I know it was very hard hit. I'm glad they and your NOLA relative have made it to Memphis safely.

Take care everyone!

Shellybird :grouphug:

[Maistre Gracey]

My wife and I donated to the Red Cross today. The amount is not important, as folks contribute what they can afford. The important thing is that we all do our best to give something.
Last night the Red Cross said blood donations are also a way to contribute to Katrina relief, as it will help make up for the lack of blood collected from individuals in the Gulf states. :drinking:

MG

[tjkraz]

I'm sure your intentions were innocent, but I don't see the value in asking others how much they gave. Does it matter? Charity is selfless.

Well said, Rash.

Trying to raise awareness and encourage donations is one thing. Conducting a poll where participants are asked to rank the value of their contribution is crass.

I won't even get into the implications of the first option on the poll. :sad2:

[snowwhitemom]

May get flamed for this.....I belive that if you live a good life (as most DVC'ers do) that you should share with others that are in great need, If you do not how can you really say God lives in your heart. Of course if you are not a christian this would not apply to you.

I am not saying that anyone is wrong or bad that belives different or that you have to think this way to give...it just motivates me...thats all.

[RweTHEREyet]

I'm sure your intentions were innocent, but I don't see the value in asking others how much they gave. Does it matter? Charity is selfless. ALL charity is good and appreciated, regardless of the amount. Someone who gives a dollar is no less virtuous than someone who gives 10,000. These kind of comparisons only serve to create shame and guilt in those who gave very little or couldn't afford to give anything.

If your intention was to encourage people to give, then a simple yes or no answer to "Have you donated?" would be effective. If your intentions were just out of curiosity, then, with all due respect, it's really no one's concern but mine how much I gave.

Not trying to flame you, just wanted to express my opinion.

Frankly I appreciate reading what others in other parts of the country besides mine have done. The monetary amount is not relevant, but it is heartwarming to me, much more so than a simple yes or no.

[nono]

Found this list -- sure it isn't complete, but there's a lot of different legitimate agencies through which to give. For those trying to figure out where to give, perhaps on this list you will find a charity that will suit your donating desire. http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/citizenship/giving/agencies.asp

[J and R's mom]

In addition to the donations I posted earlier, I had the opportunity to go volunteer my time at the Astrodome and George. R. Brown Convention Center today. My DH stayed home to babysit so that I could go do this.

It's AMAZING how many fellow Houstonians were down there helping out and how many were driving up dropping off all sorts of items for the evacuees.

The Astromdome was having to turn volunteers away yesterday and they had their quota already by 10:00am this morning. That's one reason I headed over to G.R. Brown Conventions Center. In the time that I was there (several hours) the volunteer line of people never got smaller and just kept growing. It's so heartwarming to see how many folks just want to help in any way they can.

Whether it's a $1 or $1,000,000 or whether it's volunteering your time or donating actual goods, it's all important and all relevant. It's also very encouraging (and heartwarming) to read what fellow DVCers have been able to give.

[disjest8]

I live in San Antonio and donated infant/baby items this morning to the Salvation Army at Kelly USA. Some items were new and some were slightly used. They graciously accepted all that I donated and when I asked what they specifically needed, they said "everything." One of the volunteers did mention that she had not seen too much food or infant formula. Keep in mind that I was directed to an area that was specifically taking baby/infant items. I'm sure there are many other items that are in very short supply.

I've encouraged my young adult children to volunteer and hope they will babysit my two and three year olds so that I too may volunteer some of my time.

[Bracho]

I called in $100 to the Red Cross

[Rozzie]

sheltering and feeding displaced family now.

I donated to Noah's Wish this morning. I really believe in what they are doing. :dog2: