How can we help those in need from Katrina

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Well lets stop arguing about petty stuff like politics and looters.

I just got off the phone with my dad, he and some of his business partners tried to buy a couple truckloads of water to send down there, happily the gov't has bought every one available and sent it down to Miss and New O.

My rescue squad called me and has asked to use my jeep (it's huge, bomb-proof, and setup for deep water) so I am sending it down tomorrow. They are also sending all their john-boats down to help in Search & Rescue. I plan on going down next week to aid in post-mortem recovery, as I am rescue diver. But all my friends want to help also.

But what can we do to help? I hate just sitting here. Donations help, but I prefer to get out and help. I was just wondering what yall are doing, or if you have any ideas.

Leggester · Posted: Sep 01, 2005 7:07 am Post subject:

As much as I applaud your feelings and wanting to directly help, I feel donations are probably the best way.

Locistically, if 300,000 people went down to help, there would be an even bigger night mare than there is now. Then there would be a need to feed , house and possibly clothe not only those effected by this disastor, but those trying to help.

Food drives and local donations are the best ticket I think. Set up with local radio and television stations and get out in a parking lot for drop offs.

Then contact local Nat. Guard, Red Cross or gov'mt to get those supplies and monies shipped down there.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

I agree on the not going down there thing. I am still part of a Rescue squad, and those are the only people other than Nat'l G. that they are letting go down. Another reason I am waiting to go down till they really need me, so I don't get in the way. But friends and family that can't go down, wanted to help, and ironically I don't know many of the reputable charities.
I don't want to give to one that only gives 5% of the donation to those who need it.

Good idea on the food drive getting to the Nat'l guard. Idea

Edit
Wow it's getting crazy down there now. Read this article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9156612/

pyrocasto · Posted: Sep 01, 2005 7:41 am Post subject:

If you want to go and help I say do it, but like said not until the right time comes. Go down and help rebuild, but that's after maybe they get the water pumped out of NO. In which they still have to fix the levi.

Going down now would be a waste, but in a matter of days/weeks you could be used I think. Same thing I was gonna do for the hurricanes last year(maybe it was year before that?).

SupraBoarder · Posted: Sep 01, 2005 10:31 am Post subject:

Give money. It would be nice to send them food, clothing and other goods, but if you talk to most of the emergency relief coordinators, the most useful gift we can give them is money. I know that many of us can not afford to give a lot, but every little bit helps (it adds up very quickly).

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Alright, been busy all morning. I have been working with my dad who runs his own recycling company. He has a ton of connections in Alabama, and I have some good ones here in TN. He and I have been able to prep an 18-wheeler for a mixed load of water/food, toliet paper/paper towels, and some clothes. Most of the truck is for food and water.

We have been working with the Red Cross and Nat'l Guard station out of mobile, once we load the truck I am driving the 18-wheeler, with dad in shotgun in my truck. We are going to link up with the RC in Mobile, and get the truck to about 30 or so miles outside Mississippi where it's pretty bad. Handing the truck over to the Nat'l guard as they won't let civilians to close yet. But I am staying on station as I told them I was a rescue diver. They said they might need me, but if i go in I have to go in with an armed escort. (starting to get nervous now)

We should have the truck loaded by around Friday afternoon or late Friday night. Thanks for the tips Leggs. It has turned out to be very helpful.
Wish me luck guys.

Dpierce37 · Ladies Man Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 7659 City: Austin

haugy, damn man...I applaud you. Good luck. It's past time we stop bickering about who the type of people who stayed, and start realising that a human life is a human life...poor, stupid, black, white....it doesn't matter...people need help, and thankfully, there are people like you!

Leggester · Posted: Sep 01, 2005 10:53 am Post subject:

Geezus, great job Haugy!

Don't thank me - YOU DA MAN!!!

aceyx · Addict Joined: 30 Mar 2004 Posts: 770 City: dirty

another post of praise for haugy.

i agree that it's really difficult to wait, but right now i think they're just trying to organize things and find out where to place you where you'll be the most help.

to make the best use of yourself where you are (as if you haven't already with the rig of supplies), let your community know what you're doing to help. it may just invite them to donate if they haven't already.

bust of luck down there.

blairpoelman · Addict Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 595

There are a ton of places taking donations. Well's Fargo's donation line is (toll - free) is 1-877-908-0680. Started at 7:00 AM today, and as of 8:45 AM, they had collected about 45K - a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed.
________
UNIVERSAL HEALTH WAREHOUSE

gilby00 · Outlaw Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Posts: 216 City: Sparks

as someone who lives on the west coast congrats haugy, I just got back from visiting my parents down in mississippi. Never thought i'd have to live through a hurricane. Pretty intense. there are so many needs down there, the place is decimated, it looks like japan after the atomic bomb hit. i'm not exagerating either. even up north now in jackson mi. there isn't power and can't drink the water. makes me glad i'm home and that I stocked my parents up before we left yesterday.

it was a nightmare getting out of there, we drove 190 miles to different airport just to get out of the area.

I Applaud you haugy for what your doing and what your gonna have to do.

Leggester · Posted: Sep 02, 2005 5:19 am Post subject:

Haugy, ifi you are still around, please pm me.

I'd like to contribute to the war chest.

NAW · Posted: Sep 02, 2005 7:30 am Post subject:

haugy, Much respect dude. Good Luck!

Jester · Posted: Sep 02, 2005 8:26 am Post subject:

vette74 · Posted: Sep 02, 2005 10:28 am Post subject:

Back to the original topic
I went to HEB durring lunch and bought

diapers
formula
baby wipes
baby bottles
baby food
and toothbrushes

I feel sorry for the kids they didn't have a choice to stay in NO or leave when the hurricane was comming. That is the only way I know how to help right now. If I try to go over there I know I will just put myself in danger and/or get in the way.