Help Katrina victims thru Ebay Auction

[raysnkaysmom]

Just thought I'd post on here an auction I found and donated to on ebay.. it's just asking for $9.99... or any offer to help
Please take a moment to check it out. It's nice to know some people are legit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/THANKS-FOR-ALL-YOUR-HELP-WALKER-LOUISIANA_W0QQitemZ6799431220QQcategoryZ3053QQssPa geNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[WebmasterKathy]

But how would anyone KNOW this person is legit? Aren't they just posting on ebay, asking for money as an individual?

I would urge anyone who wants to help to donate directly to a KNOWN legit rescue or charity organization like the Red Cross, United Way (they will be providing many services in communities where evacuees are placed), Salvation Army, through your church or employer, etc.

There will be many scams and unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of the generosity of those who want to donate to those displaced by this disaster. Organizations who have processes and the infrastructure to reach those affected are the surest way to be sure your money is really used to help those you really want to help.

Beware of individuals or organizations you've never heard of who suddenly appear and ask for money... it's very possible that those donations will never be passed on. :guilty:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

But how would anyone KNOW this person is legit? Aren't they just posting on ebay, asking for money as an individual?

I would urge anyone who wants to help to donate directly to a KNOWN legit rescue or charity organization like the Red Cross, United Way (they will be providing many services in communities where evacuees are placed), Salvation Army, through your church or employer, etc.

I know a DISer did post art work for sale to raise funds for red cross--I forget the thing that was on her auction...but legitimate e-bay fundraising auctions will have a distinction and the seller never sees the money.

I forget what it is called--but I did not see it on this auction--and would be leery of it as well.

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I would advise everyone NOT to place a bid on that auction.

I did a search for "Katrina" on eBay. EBay is set up so that auction procedes can go to prelisted charities such as the American Red Cross.

Legitimate auctions that I found will have a USA flag ribbon icon and a very prominent display in the listing. This auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/100-2-charity-4-Katrina-disaster-BLK-DANCE-BAG-Rtl-40_W0QQitemZ6799851103QQcategoryZ63852QQrdZ1QQcmdZ ViewItem) is one example.

I know the OP is just trying to help, but unfortunately disasters like Katrina can bring out the worst in people as well as the best. I'm not saying the auction the OP linked is bogus, but I'd be cautious about it.