Not that I don’t think the Red Cross is a good organization - they are.
I just prefer to donate to smaller, local charities. Does anyone personally know of any that are providing assistance directly to those most in need in the Gulf Coast area?
Small community church?
Local hospice?
Shelters?
If you, or someone you know, has any direct connections, I would appreciate your pointing me in the right direction. Thanks!
Mennonite Disaster Service is a wonderful organization. I have several friends who are volunteers with MDS. I do not doubt that every dollar donated to this group is well spent.
I am also looking for a secular organization to donate to. Since Search & Rescue teams are being deployed from all over the country, I thought it might be useful to help with those costs. Anyone know how to find out how? I’ve been surfing a bit, but it’s hard to get specifics.
As far as lost, injured and stranded animals, here’s a site that looks okay. http://www.uan.org/ This group isn’t “local” per se, but they are deploying volunteers from across the country to help. Their website details what they are doing about helping in the affected areas.
I’ve just donated to Noah’s Wish I’ve read their web site and don’t see that they are religion based. They help save animals during these type of disasters.
And now, the Station Casinos chain of locals’ casinos in Las Vegas is matching donations. Go to any change cage and make a donation and they will match it (up to $250,000 total donations).