I originally started this message asking which charity my mother could contribute to, in lieu of a birthday present. All I could think of were the red cross and the NYC firemen fund.
I then deleted everything, and decided that a comprehensive list of organizations to support would be in order. I’ll start off with:
The ASPCA is busy rescuing stranded pets, either orphaned or left behind due to evacuations, and has set up a fund to help.
Anyway, feel free to add any other organizations you may know of.
I’ve received, and heard this morning, about bogus disaster collections via unsolicited email. It looked pretty darn authentic and I thought for a second before trashing it.
I’m not suggesting for one moment that your recipients list is in any way related to this, just warning people to be careful. People are vulnerable when their judgement is clouded by sadness.
Although I think our first priority should be helping those organizations involved with relief efforts we face a certain danger to our civil rights as Congress and the President work towards broadening the powers of the CIA, FBI, FEMA etc. I am making a donation to both the Red Cross and the American Civil Liberties Union.
The Peninsula Community Foundation has also set up a “September 11th Fund” (note: haven’t been able to visit this website; for some reason it’s blocked by cyberpatrol??) (650) 581-4312.
Sorry they’re mostly local for me, but it’s just those I had easy access to.